In the cold of winter there are only a handful of snacks, treats and meals that are simply made for winter nights. Like, for example, Hot Chocolate, Stews, Chili and my all time favourite winter treat...Cinnamon Buns.
Cinnamon is a fascinating spice. Its been around since early 2000 BC when it was first found being imported to Egypt. It is very high in antioxidants and in some studies has actually beaten out garlic as one of the top antioxidants. It is an anti-inflammatory and has also been proven to lower heart disease and help to fight infection! SEE.....Cinnamon buns are healthy!!!
I know they sound complicated...and your thinking where the heck do you expect me to "find time" to make homemade cinnamon buns? The truth is, they are pretty fool proof...at least this recipe is. You won't be slaving in the kitchen all day, or have sweaty palms just thinking how badly your going to "mess this one up!"
This recipe is simple, easy and a great one to get the kids involved...Even your spouse! There is just something so rewarding about knowing you made it from scratch! The kids will be proud and its the perfect recipe to make on those cold winter nights...or even on a snow day! Trying to entertain three kids all day in my house is beyond challenging...so I let them bake!
For the Dough:
1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
2 eggs
3 3/4 cups of all purpose flour
For the Filling:
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons cinnamon
1/3 butter (softened-room temperature is perfect)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
7 tablespoons of butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon of vanilla
~Warm the 3/4 cup of milk just until its just above body temperature. You can heat cold milk in the microwave for 40 seconds and it should be good to go!
~Add the yeast to the warm milk to dissolve
~Using the dough hook attachment on your mixer, add the butter, sugar, eggs and flour and mix until combined
~Add the warm milk and yeast mixture and blend to combine until dough comes together
~Oil up a large bowl and form the dough into a large ball and place it in the bowl
~Cover up the dough with a kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place (simply leave it on the counter near the stove)
~After your dough has risen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees
~On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until its approximately 14-16 inches long, by 10-12 inched wide
~Grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment paper (you may need 2 baking sheets depending on how thin/thick you rolled the dough)
~In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon for the filling
~Spread the mixture evenly over the dough
~Gently, starting at the long end, start to roll the dough to form a log
~Once rolled, using a sharp knife, cut 1 and a 1/2 inch pieces and place them on the baking sheet about an inch apart
~Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown
~In a mixer, cream the butter with the cream cheese
~Add the icing sugar and the vanilla
~When the cinnamon buns are done, spread the icing overtop and ENJOY!
These cinnamon buns will make a perfect school safe treat for the kids lunches!
Warm them up and serve them with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and you will be hoping for another snow day!
Enjoy!
Natalie
I've always been one to enjoy a recipe that takes all day to create....fresh bread, stews, cinnamon buns etc. But the reality is, I am a working mother of three, and although it may appear (from all the pics I post) that we eat a long, thought out cooked meal everyday...the truth is...we don't!
Yes, I cook, and yes, I love to make everything from scratch but not everyday do I have hours and hours. So, I've created these cute little empanada's which are easy, healthy and affordable! Oh, and the best thing, you can make them in less than 30 minutes!!
I have to say, whoever thought of the already cooked "whole roasted chicken" at the grocery stores is literally a genius. Those bad boys can be turned into anything, I bet your tired of just pulling the meat off the bone and serving it with fries!
Im guilty of it...and proud of it at the same time! I can roast a chicken, trust me! But when life is as crazy as it can be, sometimes I grab an already roasted bird!
This recipe is the perfect make ahead, its freezable, stores well in the fridge, makes great leftovers and perfect for eating in the car on the way to the next after school event!
2 Cups of roasted chicken, chopped into 1inch pieces
1 tablespoon of Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Monterey Jack or White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Red Pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup Onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh Spinach, chopped
1 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Teaspoon Salt
Pinch of Pepper
1 tablespoon water
1 egg, whisked
1 Recipe of my double crust pie dough (see link below) OR 1 package of frozen Pie Dough *found at any local food store*
http://thebakerlylife.blogspot.ca/2015/11/is-it-crust-or-filling.html
~Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
~In a large bowl, combine first 9 ingredients and mix well
~Whisk the egg and set aside
~Place the tablespoon of water in a small dish and set aside
~On a floured surface, roll out your pie dough to about an 1/8 of an inch
~With a round cookie cutter, I use one that is approximately 3 inches in diameter, cut circles out of the dough
~Take one circle at a time, and spoon one heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture into the centre of the circle
~Wet your finger in the tablespoon of water and gently run it around the edge of the circle, all the way around. Fold one side over until it meets the other and firmly press together. ~My kids like the crust, so sometimes I just place another cut out circle on top and seal the edges. Use your fork to seal the edges, the same you would for a pie
~Place the empanada on a parchment lined baking dish and using a pastry brush, brush a little of the whisked egg on the top. This will give you a nice shiny and golden top to your empanada's
~Repeat until all your circles are filled and ready for baking
~Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown
This recipe is so versatile! You can use any melting cheese you wish, Mozzarella, Gouda or even Fontina. If your kids aren't fans of the Spinach, you can leave it out if you wish. If you feel you have too many before you bake them, simply place a few in a freezer bag and they will last in the freezer for 3 months. If your cooking them from frozen next time, you will need to increase the cooking time to approximately 20-25 minutes. They make the perfect grab and go snack and make great lunches for the kids!
Natalie
