Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Yummy Cinnamon Rolls

Hard to believe these are from the Cooking Light Magazine! Very good!

011

Yield

18 servings (serving size: 1 roll)

Ingredients

  • Rolls:
  • 1 cup warm fat-free milk (100° to 110°)
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter, divided
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 package quick-rise yeast
  • 16.88 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3 3/4 cups)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

  • Icing:
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Preparation

1. To prepare rolls, combine milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and yeast in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups. Add egg and remaining granulated sugar to bowl. Stir in 4.5 ounces (1 cup) flour; let stand 10 minutes.

2. Add 11.25 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) flour and salt to milk mixture; stir until a soft dough forms (dough will be sticky). Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 6 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray; turn to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 35 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rise 35 minutes or until doubled in size. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.

3. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; roll dough into an 18 x 11–inch rectangle. Brush remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter over dough; sprinkle evenly with brown sugar mixture. Beginning at one long side, roll up dough tightly, jelly-roll fashion; pinch seam to seal (do not seal ends of roll). Cut dough into 18 (1-inch) slices. Arrange 9 slices, cut sides up, in each of 2 (8-inch) square baking dishes coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 35 minutes or until doubled in size.

4. Preheat oven to 350°.

5. Uncover rolls. Bake at 350° for 22 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 10 minutes in dishes on a wire rack. Turn rolls out onto wire rack; cool 5 minutes. Turn rolls over.

6. To prepare icing, combine 3 tablespoons softened butter and cream; stir with a whisk. Stir in vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar; stir until blended. Spread icing over rolls; serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 234 Fat: 6.8g (sat 4.1g,mono 1.8g,poly 0.4g)
Protein: 3.8g Carbohydrate: 39.6g
Fiber: 1.1g Cholesterol: 28mg
Iron: 1.7mg Sodium: 87mg Calcium: 40mg

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Meal Planning

For the last two weeks we have been writing down our meals for the week.  This is one of the many things we do for our “budget”.  We get cash out for the week on Thursday nights, buy groceries, pay our babysitter and the rest of our weekly cash is for diapers, gas, and eating out.  This is to help us eat out less of course and be mindful of what we spend. So….purpose of this post; meal planning. 

I have always though ahead of what we will eat in the week but writing down has helped tons.  I don't just write down Dinner meals but I also have a list for Breakfast and Lunch.  When Randy is home and not traveling he works from home and eats lunch at home.  As a teacher I bring my lunch so this helps us both.  Actually Randy said he liked looking on the frig and seeing what there was to eat!!

Tips for saving money…

  • Of course like I mentioned, write out breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for the week.  Post them on the frig for you and your spouse to read.  Think about what nights to you are home.  We are always at church on Wednesday nights so it is a nice break in cooking for us.  Plus Wednesday night suppers are reasonable at our church.  Writing out meals also saves you from wasting the fresh veggies and fruits that you forgot were in the frig!
  • When figuring out your meals, think about what you have in the freezer! Yes, the freezer.  Dig all the way in the back and see what is there. You might presently surprised! Well, I hope you are, it could be scary too.  I always buy meat on sale even if we don't need it and freeze it.  So there might be a week that I don't need meat at the store and see what I have in the freezer.  As well, pick a week to clean out the freezer and eat what you have. 
  • As well as the freezer, check out your pantry.  I am guilty of not checking what we have and buying more of it again.  So eat all of your many bags of rice, pasta, or canned foods for a while.  We enjoy making our own pizza sauce and pasta sauce with canned tomatoes.  I know that is always a staple in our house. 
  • Bring your lunch to work.  I love leftovers and look forward to my lunch at work when I have them.  Much better than a sandwich. 
  • Baking and Freezing. Just like my many other posts on baking, I love to freeze them for later! This is great for breakfast or snacks! My husband always says there are no snacks. Not true! Plus we get into our cereal rut and a great homemade muffin is a yummy change!
  • Coupons Coupons Coupons…I don't even think about heading to the store with out them.  Making sure to look for  the weekly ads as well!!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Check out Fabulous K Giveaway

Fabulous K Creative is having a FREE giveaway!!! Check it out!!

Fabulous K Creative Blog

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Pumpkins Pumpkins Everywhere!

fall

It starting feel Fall…well maybe not here down south but I am sure somewhere it is!  I get excited for Fall when September hits and start thinking about everything pumpkins.  I haven't broken out my decorations yet, I think I will wait till October 1st I did bake everything pumpkin today.  

I call it my semi-homemade idea.  Being a full time wife, mommy, and teacher isn't easy.  When it comes to time, well I just have to make it.  So I always find ways to bake that are easy, cheap, and freezer friendly. 

First….

Betty Crocker Gingerbread Mix.

Follow directions but I also added 1 cup canned pumpkin and a 1 cup of flax seed meal

Second….

Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix (with canned blueberries)

Follow directions but I also added 1 cup canned pumpkin and a 1 cup of flax seed meal.

Third…had extra pumpkin left.

Hungry Jack’s Pancake Mix

Follow directions but I also added 1 cup canned pumpkin and a 1 cup of flax seed meal.

See a theme?

All cooked great and really tasted great. Best of all, I know there is something in there good for you that my little girl doesn't taste. Makes me not stress about the veggies!

Enjoy!