Warm and Gooey!

What have you been doing on this cold January Saturday?

We've been making cinnamon rolls!

This is my first ever attempt at making homemade cinnamon rolls.  I made this batch caramel! I'm also going to put maple frosting on some. YUM!  The recipe was super simple, and super delicious.

But, my recipe is TOP SECRET!  Ok, I'll share with you...but only you!  Don't go telling everyone about these, okay?!?!

Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls

4 cups whole milk
1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
2 packages active dry yeast
9 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon (heaping) baking powder
1 teaspoon (scant) baking soda
1 tablespoon (heaping) salt
1 cup melted butter (make sure you use butter, not margarine)
2 cups sugar
Lots of cinnamon


Mix the milk, oil, and sugar in a kettle and scald the mixture (heat until just before it boils).  Turn off heat and leave to cool 45 minutes.  When the mixture is lukewarm to warm, but NOT hot, sprinkle in both packages of yeast.  Let this just sit on top for 1 minute.  Then add 8 cups of flour.  Stir the mixture together.  Cover and let rise for 1 hour.  After rising for 1 hour, add 1 more cup of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Stir the mixture together.  (At this point, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it...overnight or a couple of days.  Just punch it down if it starts to overflow the bowl.  But really, what are you waiting for...your family wants these rolls NOW!)


Sprinkle rolling surface generously with flour.  Take half the dough and form into a rough rectangle.  Then, roll the dough thin, maintaining a rectangle shape.  Drizzle 1/2 cup melted butter over the dough.  Now sprinkle with 1 cup of sugar and lots of cinnamon.  Starting at the end opposite you, begin rolling the dough in a neat line toward yourself.  Keep the roll relatively tight as you go.  Pinch the seam to seal it.  Grease your pan (or, if making caramel rolls, place caramel in the bottom of the pan).  Begin cutting the rolls 1/2 - 3/4 inches thick, laying them in the pans.  Don't overcrowd the pan!  Repeat this process with the other half of the dough.  Let the rolls rise for 30 minutes.  Then bake at 375 degrees for 18 minutes.  Invert onto wax paper and enjoy!

Maple Frosting

1 bag powdered sugar
2 teaspoons maple flavoring
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup brewed coffee
1/8 teaspoon salt


Mix together all the ingredients and stir until smooth.  It should be thick, but pourable.  Then, generously drizzle frosting over warm rolls.

Caramel 

1 stick butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons whole milk


Place ingredients into a saucepan and allow to melt over low heat until combined.  Allow to boil for a few seconds, then remove from heat.

It doesn't sound like spring is right around the corner...so, happy baking!

SNOW MUCH FUN!

Before the temperatures became frigid, Mom bundled us up and we went for a walk around the block...we LOVED the snow!

 

Now, back inside where it's warm for a little snack!

Merry Christmas!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

Ethan's Eyes

Our poor Ethan's eyes! As you can see in this picture, his crossed eye problem can be quite dramatic at times (we typically try NOT to post pictures like this). We went back to Dr. Spencer in Des Moines this past week. She was very honest with us and said that she doesn't really know the best plan of attack for Ethan. He actually has 3 different problems. His eyes cross, the right more than the left, but they both do. He also still has nystagmus or eye bouncing which he compensates for by tipping his chin down and tilting his head to the side. Dr. Spencer really wants to help him in as few surgical procedures as possible, as do we. So, we are off to Iowa City for a second opinion. Dr. Spencer as well as our pediatrician recommended we see Dr. Olson there. They sent Ethan's records which Dr. Olson reviewed and referred us on to Dr. Drack in Iowa City. We have an appointment for February 4th. The good news is Dr. Spencer does not feel it is majorly affecting his vision right now....as he has figured out how to compensate. Although, she said that it will definitely slow him up and cause problems once he starts school. We feel blessed that we otherwise have a very healthy, active little boy! We'll update you after we see Iowa City in February.

Mindy's Family Christmas

Looks like trouble

Cody and Jen

Adam and Mindy

Megan

Brandee

Mom/Grammy

This is how Aidan walked C.J.

Whoopie Cushion Fun

EmmaJean

Ethan & Auntie MiMi

Sit-n-Spin! (they play music now)

Rip and Tear

Aidan's most favorite gift...a BROOM!

More Presents

The Gang

The rest of the Gang

This little tower is filled with 20 brightly colored balls...

to get scattered across our house

Thanks for all of the great gifts! We had a blast!

Thanksgiving

We apologize for being so far behind on our blog. We been busy, busy getting ready for the holidays. Here's some pictures from Thanksgiving at our house. We hosted a little of Adam's family, a little of Mindy's family, and a few friends. It was a great day!

Sharing the Love

I heart pickles

Hey Tex!

Look what just strolled into town...

Cheese

Riding his "horse"

fall fun

What a busy fall! A few weeks ago we rode the Pumpkin Train in Boone. The boys recently have taken great interest in trains, so it was a lot of fun for them. We've been in the yard raking leavings, putting things away for the winter, and staking up wood for our fireplace. The boys have been very big helpers! We also took them out trick or treating around our neighborhood. They were totally getting the hang of things and ran up to every house that had a light on. Next year should be even more fun. Of course every day the boys surprise us with the new "tricks" they know. Here's a few of their latest...

I want this, and this, and this...

I can plug my ears when I don't want to listen

snap, snap!

roar!

team work?

cheese!

being goofy

On the pumpkin train...CHOO CHOO!