fun with the kids

yesterday, we went and surprised my step kids by showing up to their after-church lunch outing. they were in shock when we first walked up, but they quickly came running and haven't stopped talking yet! we hung out at the in-laws house, did some grocery shopping, dinner and then topped off the evening by preparing cinnamon rolls for today's breakfast. lexi (step-daughter who is 6) and ares (my nephew who is 5) were dying to help, especially because they thought it was the usual pop-the-can-put-them-on-a-pan type they are used to. the first thing they asked was what in the world is that blob of stuff on the counter (it was the dough i had already started and let begin to rise.) they had to bring it into their world and quickly likened it to play-dough that wasn't so breakable. they learned what a rolling pin is- because it is not a 'stick thingy that rolls like a car'- haha. they rolled out the dough, brushed on the butter, sprinkled the cinnamon sugar and rolled up the rolls. they were so amazed at how the big flat piece of dough turned into cinnamon rolls. it is so great to be around inquisitive kids~ it's amazing how their little minds work. they were so proud of themselves and what they had done.

*lexi and i super hard at work*

*rolling them up*

*pre-cooking*

the results::

the recipe:


the rolls~
1 c. water
2 T. yeast
2 t. honey
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup honey
4 t. sea salt
8 cups flour



the cinnamon-y inside~
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar (i used brown sugar)
1/2 T. ground cinnamon 


the icing~
1/4 cup butter
3 T milk
1/2 t. vanilla
1-2 cups powdered sugar

In a large bowl, mix 1 cup very warm water, 2 T. yeast and 2 t. honey.  Allow to sit for about 5 minutes.  In the meantime: 

Melt a stick of butter in a large saucepan.  Add 1/2 cup honey, 4 t. salt and 2 1/2 cups of milk.  Heat this to 120 degrees.

Pour milk mixture into yeast mixture and stir.  Stir in 8 cups of flour, 2 cups at a time. (add more if you need it)

Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes.  Plop it into a bowl, cover it and let it rise for 1  1/2 hours.

After dough rises, punch it down and knead.  Cut the dough in half, setting one half aside. 

On a well floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Use a pastry brush to spread 1/2 of the melted butter all over the rectangle.  Sprinkle 1/2 of the cinnamon mixture all over the butter. 

Roll from one end. 

Cut into 1/2 inch  - 1 inch slices.

Place in a baking pan and allow to rise for about 30 minutes. Repeat for other half of dough.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Happy Breakfast Baking!!