Larger-Than-Life Cinnamon Rolls

Sadly, yesterday morning I received word that a my brother's mother-in-law had passed away.  With a tear in my eye, I headed to the kitchen.  The kitchen is where I often find my greatest comfort. 

 

I wanted to prepare something for my brother's family, assuming that they would have a house full of family.  I pulled out my Kitchenaid mixer. (I would be lost without my Kitchenaid...it looks so battered and worn...after it's line of duty at the café.  Nonetheless, it is still ready and able to assist me in my culinary endeavors.)  I brought out bags of organic flour, sugars and spices.  I set out a stick of organic butter to soften on the counter.

 

It was time to revisit another treasured recipe from the café.  What my brother and his family needed was something from my kitchen that would warmly yell...love!  My larger-than-life cinnamon rolls!  I honestly don't think that I have made these delectable treats for over a year.  I hoped that I hadn't lost my touch!

 

I have always had a passion for making yeast breads.  Years ago, there was a time when I found myself living in a new community.  I knew absolutely no one.  My oldest son was off to school during the day and my youngest was a baby and not yet very conversational.  I had no one to talk too!  It was then that I turned to the kitchen, deciding to conquer my long time intimidation with baking yeast breads.  I thought it was silly that for years I had allowed a bag of flour and a packet of yeast to get the best of me.

 

In time, I began to conquer the task.  Soon I found that I was amazed as to how the ingredients would 'come alive'.  I thought to myself...now here's a living thing to keep me company!  I would carefully combine things in a bowl and within time they would be reactive and responsive to my touch.  In a sense, we were sharing a dance together in my kitchen.  (I know...you are probably thinking...what a poor lonely woman she was! 

My youngest soon began to toddle into the kitchen and share in my new love for baking breads.  (To this day, he has a strong passion for all things...bread!)   Soon I was making impressive braided breads, delicious bagels, dinner rolls so light and fluffy that dear friends declared that they should be called...Angel Buns.  :D...the possibilities were endless!  Neighbors probably became weary of seeing me walking across my lawn with my newest creation.  And look...what a great way to make new friends! 

 

To me, something created from my kitchen is a loving expression of who I am.  Yes, eating larger-than-life cinnamon rolls isn't something that you should do every day.  But sometimes, life calls for a little something extra that will warmly offer comfort and love.

Larger-Than-Life Cinnamon Rolls

In my Kitchenaid mixing bowl, I combine:
1 cup warm milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. yeast
Let this mixture sit for approx. 15 minutes...or until it 'comes alive' with bubbles!

This might be hard to see, but it is all foamy and bubbly.

 



 Next add to the mixing bowl:

1/2 cup melted butter
2 lightly beaten eggs
1 tsp. salt
4-5 cups of flour
With the dough attachment, mix all ingredients together, slowly adding just enough flour until the dough is no longer sticking to the sides of the mixing bowl. Next allow the dough attachment to 'knead' the dough for an additional 5 minutes.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

 

One hour later...it's alive!

 

 Punch the dough down and allow to rest on a floured surface for 10 minutes or so.

 

 

I always use my grandmother's rolling pin...she made the best dinner rolls I've ever tasted!

 

 This is such a soft and wonderful dough.  (Soft as a baby's bottom...almost)  After resting, it will roll out nicely for you.

 

 

 

Next spread generously with a nice unsalted organic butter and then sprinkle with a mixture of 1 cup brown sugar and 2 Tbsp. of cinnamon.

 





 

Roll the dough tightly and slice into 1 1/4 inch slices.  Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and let rise for another 45 minutes to an hour...depending how warm your kitchen is.  Bake in a 400 degree oven for approx. 15 minutes or until nicely browned and golden.  I drizzle them with a simple combination of powdered sugar, cream and a dab of maple syrup. 

 

 



And here they are warm from the oven.  I shall deliver them just as they are.  They need no fancy serving platter or decoration.  Their flavors will speak loudly for themselves.  I felt a little better in this offering, in that I used all organic ingredients in the preparation of these beauties. 

As you can see, making bread is not something that you can not rush.  I think it is a nice retreat from the hectic fast paced lifestyles that often dictate our life's.  It is a grand commitment of time...causing us to slow down and enjoy the ride.  The aromas that will fill your kitchen are unlike any candle that you could ever light!

I was so pleased to find this picture. 

How we will miss this beautiful smiling face at our family gatherings. 

God bless you Jean!