Christmas Gift Idea – Sewing Projects

Here are the last two homemade gifts I made this year. I just recently relearned how to sew and am trying to broaden my sewing skills. I made a half retro apron for my sister and a fun sock monkey for my nephew. They opened them a week ago when they celebrated Christmas with our parents and both gifts were quite a hit!

For the apron, I followed a pattern from a book I picked up at the library called A is for Apron. There are lots of cute patterns in the book, but it didn’t get great reviews because the instructions are kind of haphazard and the patterns aren’t always correct.

My sister likes retro things so I thought this half apron would be cute. I picked up the fabric at Wal-Mart for less than $4 total, so it was a very reasonable project. My mother-in-law (who used to sew wedding dresses for a living) showed me how to use interfacing to make the waistband stiffer and how to line it to give it a more finished look because the book ignored both of these things. I think for my first piece of “clothing” it came out pretty good! And, it only took me a couple of hours.

I had ironed it, but then it got folded up in my luggage and I pulled it out quick to model it, so please ignore the wrinkles in these photos. Also, the waist band is made to be tied in the back, but it could also tie in the front like I show it here.

The other project I made was a sock monkey for my nephew. I found the tube socks at Target for $3.50 and had all the batting. This took longer to make than the apron because the ears, mouth, arms and tail were all sewed on by hand extra well to make sure no little toddler hands could yank them off easily. I posted more about this here. This is what the monkey looked like when I was finished:

Here is the cutie opening the gift and checking out his new friend.

Here he is in his little chair carrying on a conversation with him.

Looks like the sock monkey was quite the hit!

I’m linking up to Kimba’s DIY day with this post. Hop on over to check out more projects.

Thank a Troop

Many people in my family and many friends currently serve or have served in all branches of the military. At this time of year especially, it's important to remember our troops serving overseas. Please click here to send them a free card.

Snowman Comics

Someone sent me these while I was posting about the predicted snowstorm. How fitting!

Enjoy! Click on each one to enlarge it in a new window.

I love you snow, but please wait a little longer

First off, I wanted to clarify that in my post from yesterday I was in no way implying that there is never the proper time or place to wish someone "Happy Hanukkah" or that one shouldn't celebrate Hanukkah. I was more just commenting that people shouldn't be offended by the greeting of "Merry Christmas" because it's a holiday that is inclusive of all people.

Now, back to the snow.

Tomorrow hubby and I are supposed to be meeting up with our friend Katie and her new man in NYC. Today hubby is in Georgia for business and his flight is supposed to get back in to Philadelphia tomorrow at 8:30am -just in time for me to pick him up and make the trek into the city before our friends bus arrives from DC. We have grand plans for lunch at our favorite mexican restaurant, ice skating in central park, viewing the Rockefeller center tree, window shopping the Macy's christmas windows, and enjoying a delicious cupcake from one of our favorite little bakeries.

Well, there's one tiny little problem.

We're supposed to get snow starting tonight. Lots and lots of snow. 3-10 inches worth of snow.

While I'm normally all up for a snowstorm, I really need this one to hold off until hubby's plane makes it in tomorrow. I'd be so disappointed if our friends make the journey all the way from DC to NYC and then we don't get to see them because hubs flight is delayed.

If we didn't have this day in NYC planned, and if hubby wasn't travelling home tomorrow, I'd be estatic about possibly being snowed in this weekend. As it is, I'm praying the storm holds off until at least 9am tomorrow. Please join me in this prayer?

And, if we're able to have our day in the city as planned, I'll make sure to post photos next week! Enjoy your last weekend before Christmas!

What's so bad about "Merry Christmas"?

Last night was the last city council meeting for the year. I try to make it to every meeting (which is twice a month) to support my hubby who serves on the council. The first and last meetings of the year are sometimes the most entertaining.

The thing that was mind boggling to me last night was how many people in the public had to come up to wish everyone a joyous holiday by saying, "Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and to all you Seinfeld fans, Happy Festivus."

What is wrong with us?

Why can't we just say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" depending on which background we're from? Why is it that people are so offended if they receive a holiday greeting that is of a different faith? Personally, I'd rather hear "Happy Hanukkah" than "Happy Holidays".

But really, what is wrong with all of us wishing one another "Merry Christmas"?

After all, it's historical fact that this country was founded on Christian religious beliefs. Christmas is the only one of the three holidays that has major religious undertones. Hanukkah is not a major religious holiday for Judaism. According to Wikipedia, "Hanukkah is not mentioned in the Bible and was never considered a major holiday in Judaism, but it has become much more visible and widely celebrated in modern times, mainly because it falls around the same time as Christmas and has national Jewish overtones that have been emphasized since the establishment of the State of Israel" and according to the Official Kwanzaa website, Kwanzaa is "a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense."

A few things I glean from these quotes: 1. Hanukkah is really only for those of a Jewish background and 2. Kwanzaa is only for those of African decent.

Here's the thing about Christmas, though... IT'S FOR EVERYONE!

Christ didn't come to earth as a baby, die on the cross, and rise again just for the Jews. He didn't do it just for the Africans. He did it for EVERYONE!

I've had enough of political correctness, and that my dear readers, is why I strongly believe in wishing everyone a "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" After all, it is the only one of the three holidays that really does include all of us.

P.S. I'm not saying don't celebrate other religions holidays. Personally, I enjoy celebrating a Seder feast around Easter because as a believer there is so much more meaning in that Jewish feast when you understand that the Messiah has already come.

The Newest Addition to our Family

This sweet baby was born last night. Hopefully today hubs will be able to learn whether it's a bull or a heifer.

Nothing like a cute new born calf.

Holiday Baking

In continuation with the handcrafted Christmas gift kick I’m on this year, I decided to spend Saturday in a baking frenzy so I’d have lots of treats to give away. Here was my list for the day:

1. Cake Balls (about 5 dozen)
2. Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt (about 4 dozen)
3. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (made enough for 4 pint size jars)
4. Homemade Marshmallows (I halved the recipe)
5. Savannah Bow Ties (about 4 dozen)
6. White Chocolate Chunk & Dried Cherry Cookies (a little over 9 dozen)
7. Corn Chowder (for dinner)
8. 3 loaves of French bread (for dinner)

I’m proud to say I accomplished all of it on Saturday besides the marshmallows and bow ties because I decided to go see a local remake of Scrooge with my in-laws, but I finished those items after church on Sunday.

Here are my reviews for numbers 1 to 6 (and I’m sure the first two will be sacrilegious to some readers!):

1. Cake Balls – Everybody it seems raves about these little treats Bakerella has made so popular. Personally, after tasting them, they were so not worth the time and mess. I have a major sweet tooth and these were too sweet for me. Maybe if I used only half the frosting they’d be better, but honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever make them again.

2. Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt – I’ve tried a few different recipes from the Pioneer Woman lately and they’ve all been hit or miss. These looked delicious, though, and I stowed them away in my brain until now. They were rather easy to make and pretty tasty, but I’m not a big fan of the sea salt. Plus, it made my chocolate look weird the next day. I might make these again, but more likely I’ll keep searching for a raspberry truffle recipe.

3. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix – This had received mix reviews, but unfortunately the most helpful ones weren’t posted until after I made it. Seems these newer reviewers had the same thoughts I did. This mix has a good beginning, but it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of chocolaty taste. Tonight I’m going to dump all my jars out and add more cocoa powder and powder sugar as these reviewers suggest and see if it helps.

4. Homemade Marshmallows – Not being a big marshmallow fan (unless it’s in hot cocoa or on a s’more) I’m not going to review these based on taste (although they did have a nice marshmallow flavor). I don’t know if it’s because I halved the recipe or what, but my marshmallows were not pourable at all. I used a candy thermometer and followed the directions exactly, but half of my mixture got left in the mixing bowl and the part that made it into the pan never spread into a smooth layer. I may try these again, but most likely not.

5. Savannah Bow Ties – Hubby and I saw Paula Deen make these a couple years ago and have made them every Christmas since then. They are pretty yummy. Expensive and tedious to make, but yummy.

6. White Chocolate Chunk & Dried Cherry Cookies – This is one of the Christmas cookies my mom makes every year and hubby’s favorite of hers. It’s based on the Mrs. Field’s chocolate chip cookie recipe and is very good. Here is the recipe:

White Chocolate Chunk & Dried Cherry Cookies

5 c. old fashioned oats
4 sticks butter
2 c. each brown and white sugar
4 eggs
2 t. vanilla
4 c. flour
1 t. salt
2 t. each baking powder and soda
24 oz. white chocolate chips
3 c. dried cherries (can substitute cherry flavored craisins)

Blend oats to fine powder. Mix butter and sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl combine oatmeal, flour, baking powder, and soda. Add to butter mixture. Blend well. Stir in chips and nuts. Roll into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 –12 minutes.

Makes: Approx. 9 dozen

Here are my treats all finished and ready to be packaged. I picked up 6 Martha Stewart craft boxes from Michael’s because they were 50% off. Each one has four different compartments so I included four of each of the following: cake balls, white chocolate-dried cherry cookies, savannah bow ties and chocolate truffles with sea salt. Hubby is going to give these away to people he works with. The hot cocoa and marshmallows will be packaged nicely and given away to some of hubby’s clients or friends and the rest will be enjoyed by our family or taken to my office.

What are some of your favorite holiday baking recipes?

“Worst Procedure of the Day” Award

I posted here and here a little bit about how I’ve been having some stomach issues we’re trying to figure out. On the 2nd I had the fun experience of going for a colonoscopy.

When I walked in to the office, I was by far the youngest patient there that day if not ever. Once I changed into my lovely little gown again (maybe I should think about designing some more stylish ones if I’m going to have to be wearing them this frequently) it was on to the oh so comfortable hospital bed to await my turn to be knocked out and examined. As I’m waiting, I notice all the patients two to three times my age being wheeled out from the exam room are awake and conversing with the nurses and enjoying a nice little snack.

Boy a snack sure sounded good. I hadn’t had anything to eat since before midnight on the 31st and it was now 2:30pm on the 2nd. This hypoglycemic girl was starting to get a little “hangry”. Ha! Don’t remember where I heard that word, but it sums up the mad moods that accompany extreme hunger perfectly.

Then it was my turn to get wheeled back in. I remembered them asking me to lie on my left side and I remember thinking how it hurt a little when the doctor placed the anesthesia into my iv, but that’s all I remembered until they were waking me up 40 minutes AFTER they had already wheeled me in to recovery. And, they were only waking me up so they could all go home!

In fact, the doctor actually told me I was their worst procedure of the day because it was the most difficult. Who would have thought the 28 year old would cause more problems than the 80 year old grandpa?

Turns out the reason why I was sleeping so soundly was because they had to give me a double dose of anesthesia to compensate for getting around my newly discovered twisted colon and removing a polyp.

They called me this past Monday to tell me the results of the biopsy (it’s benign) and to tell me that the doctor would like to see me in his office again in 6 months and that I’m supposed to go for another colonoscopy in 3 years. When I asked her what I’m supposed to do about my symptoms in the next six months her response was “oh, if they still bother you, come in sooner.” Well, HELLO! of course they still bother me.

So basically, I’ve gone through countless blood tests, drank tons of barium for x-rays, went for a CT scan and suffered through the “worst procedure of the day” colonoscopy only to be told “come back in six months.” Are you kidding me?! I thought after three doctors I’d finally have some answers, but I guess not.

Man, I really should have gone on to medical school like originally planned so I could at least treat myself.

At least I got a free pair of warm socks out of the deal.

Christmas Gift Idea – Magazine Subscription

I always have a hard time thinking of what handcrafted items I could make for the men in the family. I know they all love food, but at the same time, that just doesn’t seem like a substantial enough gift for a relative.

One thing that I received last year was a few different magazine subscriptions and I have loved looking through each issue when it arrives in the mail monthly. That gave me the idea to give them each a subscription of their own.

My brother-in-law is originally from Montana and loves all things associated with hunting and fishing. I thought there would be no better thing than a subscription to Field & Stream. A simple Google search provided me a place to get the subscription for 80% off the cover price.

My dad enjoys remodeling homes and lending us a hand renovating our 1906 house. He also loves watching This Old House. Hubby receives the magazine and it is full of great ideas and info on how to tackle certain remodeling projects. I thought this would be perfect for my dad and turns out I was right. I found a very affordable subscription on Amazon.com. They have tons of different magazine subscriptions available for $5 right now.

Christmas Gift Idea - Jewelry

This year I have really developed a love for crafting jewelry. Every year I try to make as many handcrafted gifts as I can for Christmas, and this year was no exception. I made three different jewelry items to give as gifts this year.

The first is for my brother’s girlfriend, Leah. The variety of colors reminds me of her bright personality. I love this cuff bracelet so much I almost kept it for myself because it goes with absolutely everything. It would look fabulous with jeans and a simple bright colored top.

     

Cuff bracelets are really in vogue right now so I’m excited to see what different combos I can make. This bracelet uses black wood spacers and chips of Italian Milfori glass.

 

The next thing I made was a bracelet for my friend Sonja. I posted recently that she just learned she has stage 4 cancer. We were hoping to be able to get in touch while I was visiting family for Thanksgiving, but were unable to because I had a cold and she couldn’t afford to be exposed to germs. This bracelet uses pink glass beads, pink Swarovski crystals, and cream Czech glass pearls. I chose pink because her cancer started as breast cancer.

I also made two pairs of earrings for my mom. One was gold chandelier earrings and the other was sterling silver with a clear Swarovski crystal and black pearls I got on our honeymoon trip to the Cook Islands. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of those before I gave them to her, but I liked them so much I’ll probably be making myself a pair of each shortly and will post a photo then.

Making your own jewelry is a fun and easy craft to learn. There are tons of beads available at your local craft store. If you want better pricing and plan on making lots of jewelry, I suggest purchasing from Fire Mountain Gems. Their selection and pricing is awesome and they have great customer service.

Gift Ideas: Packaging

I was reading Money Saving Mom this morning to see if there were any coupon deals and she had a link to this awesome tutorial on How to Make a Gift Bow from Recycled Materials.

If you're anything like me, you have TONS of magazines lying around (thanks to the free subscriptions M.S.M. tells us about) that you could use to make bows. I definitely think I'll have to make some to use.

Endless Holiday Music

I love listening to Christmas music all December long, but I’ve always had a difficult time finding a station that played a good mix of the traditional Christian Christmas carols and the whimsical holiday songs.

I remembered reading about Pandora not too long ago so I figured I’d check it out and all I can say is it is FABULOUS!

It was so easy to plug in artists, songs, and types of music that I was looking for and it came up with a great playlist for me. I’ve been listening to it all day at work for over a week and I rarely hear the same song by the same artist. Plus, there are hardly any commercial breaks (maybe one 10 second one an hour if that).

I know I will definitely be tuning to Pandora for my annual Christmas music fix and most likely for my daily work playlists after the holiday.

Have you ever used Pandora? I just wish there was a way I could download some of the songs onto my iTunes so I can load them on my iPod shuffle.

Christmas Gift Ideas: Donations

I’m happy to say that I have been all done with my Christmas “shopping” since before Thanksgiving. “Shopping” is in quotes because I didn’t actually visit a single store to purchase any gift. Every year I try to make as many gifts as I can and this year is no exception. The only store I visited was the craft store for a few supplies that I didn’t already have on hand.

Plus, this year I only had to “shop” for my side of the family because my hubby’s family decided to not exchange gifts this year due to the economy. Instead, we’re going to celebrate by having our traditional Christmas Eve dinner at hubby’s grandma’s house and then I’m  hosting a dinner on Christmas Day.

We did still want to get something for our grandparents, though. I was trying to think of something that they’d all really enjoy besides the basic coffee or bath and body products. Personally, I know I have way too many of those kinds of gifts just sitting around in drawers taking up space.

After a little thought, we decided to donate things such as mosquito nets, seeds, half of an alpaca, or a Bible in their name via World Vision.

Over Thanksgiving, we celebrated Christmas with two sets of my grandparents and they both loved their gifts. They said it was great because they really didn’t need more stuff, and they’d much rather have us spend our money for a good cause. I was so delighted that their response was the exact response I thought they’d have.

If you’re looking for a great gift idea for someone who doesn’t need anything, then seriously consider making a donation in their name. The World Vision Gift Catalog is perfect because there is a wide variety of gifts in many different price ranges.

Over the next few days I’ll post other Christmas gift ideas I’m using this year in case you’re interested.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I finally had the opportunity to put the tree up and decorate this past Saturday. I really wanted a live tree this year, but because we ended up received the first snow of the year on Saturday (yippee!!) and because my checkbook is running a little low, I decided to stick with the artificial tree.

In an attempt to save myself a little effort this year, I only decorated the half of the tree that you can actually see. It was so much easier to just string the lights from left to right and back again instead of having to squeeze in the corner to wrap them all the way around the tree.

When I came down Sunday morning to a beautiful fire roaring in the fireplace thanks to may wonderful husband, I just had to snap a picture.

Here are a few more of different spots around the room:

 

 

P.S. Thanks for your patience during my absence from blogging. I have a lot of pictures of things to post soon and I’m hoping to start on my holiday baking this coming weekend, so I’ll post recipes as I go along as well.

So Long, Farewell

until the 30th anyways. I'm about to be internetless again. I was going to try to get some posts set up today so that there'd still be something to read while I was gone, but seeing how I'm just now leaving work (an hour after I'm supposed to), that obviously didn't happen.

But, when I return I hope to have some new crafts to post and look forward to catching up on everyone out there in blog world.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Christmas Gift Idea: Bird’s Nest Planter

Earlier this year I saw Martha make these rustic “bird’s nest” planters that held paper whites. I thought they’d make a great gift idea for some of hubby’s clients, but I didn’t know where I’d find paper whites at an affordable price.

Well, last night I stopped by the Christmas Tree Shop on my way home from work because someone sent me a coupon for 20% off your entire purchase. Lo and behold, when I walked in the door, right there were packages of paper white bulbs with a pot and simple instructions on how to plant for $3.99!

At that price, I should be able to make each bird’s nest planter with flowers for less than $10 each which is definitely a reasonable price to spend on gifts. If I decide not to go with the bird’s nest planters, I could easily wrap some nice burlap fabric around the pot and tie a ribbon with some embellishments around it too. That’d be even cheaper than $10.

Want to make your own bird’s nest planter? Click here to get the instructions.

And, if you live near a Christmas Tree Shop, here is your own 20% off coupon to use:

Homemade Granola

I finally remembered to grab the recipe from home so I could post this. My hubby loves having a snack of granola and yogurt. I’ve been meaning to make him some more homemade granola for a long time but kept putting it off because I had remembered it as a long process. Well my memory didn’t serve me correctly because making homemade granola couldn’t be easier. And, when my mom-in-law tells me she bought all the ingredients for it because I make the best, it’s hard to say no.

So, a couple weekends ago I whipped up a batch and we’ve been enjoying it ever since. Thought you might enjoy the recipe too. I have to thank hubby’s aunt for passing it on to me.

First, place whatever nuts you desire in a pan and toast them to develop their full flavor. As Rachael Ray says, “your nose knows” when they’re done. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

This time I used sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, ground flax seed, and slivered almonds.

Meanwhile, in microwave safe bowl, combine these ingredients:

Microwave until the sugar starts to dissolve and it’s easy to stir.

In a LARGE bowl, measure out 10 cups of oats.

Add your toasted nuts and stir to combine.

Pour on the liquid ingredients and stir until all the oats and nuts are moistened.

Next, add in whatever dried fruit you like.

I used golden raisins and craisins. I’ve used dried cherries and blueberries before which is also very yummy. Stir until the fruit is evenly distributed.

In a parchment lined jelly roll pan, spread the granola in a layer that is about 1/2” thick.

Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are browned and the middle starts to feel firm to the touch.

NOTE: You’ll think you need to bake it longer than you actually do. When you pull it out of the oven, it will still be kind of sticky and soft. As it cools it will harden. Once the edges are browned, take it out otherwise you’ll end up with burned granola.

I tried to show you the difference between the baked (in the pan) and the unbaked (in the bowl) above, but they look too similar on my camera. You can see that the edges of the pan are browned, though.

I immediately transfer the baked granola to another storage container to cool. As it cools, I use my hands to break it up into chunks.

One batch filled 1/2 of one of those giant animal cracker containers. This will last us for quite awhile and it is so delicious when served on top of yogurt.

AUNT NANCY’S GRANOLA

10 cups oats
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup honey
3/4 cup canola oil
1 cup almonds
1/2 cup ground flax seeds
1 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2 cups worth of dried fruit

Place nuts/seeds in skillet and toast over medium to medium-high heat until they reach desired toastiness. Place oats in a large bowl. In a microwave safe container, heat the brown sugar, honey and oil for 1.5 minutes to make it easier to stir and combine them. Add the toasted nuts to the oats and stir to combine. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is coated. Add the dried fruit. Stir to combine. In parchment lined jelly roll sheets, flatten granola into 1/2” thick layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, checking often. It’s done when the edges start to brown and the middle is firmer to the touch. Remember, it will harden more as it cools. Store in an airtight container and enjoy for many days/weeks on top of yogurt.

Personally, this version is much tastier and much healthier than any version you could buy in the store. It is also much more budget friendly.

Time for a New Do

This Saturday I’m going for my first haircut in over 6 months. It couldn’t happen to fall on a better day because that night also happens to be the third annual Mayor’s Ball for our hometown and seeing how my hubby is on the city council, I kinda have to go to those sort of things and look presentable while attending.

I don’t think my split ends and funky mom-in-law trimmed bangs will go too well with the fancy dress I’m recycling from two years ago. That’s another thing. Hopefully no one will notice that I’m wearing the same dress I’ve already worn to two other political functions - albeit county level ones, but still. Another $400 for a dress is just not something in the budget right now.

Anyway. Back to the hair.

I’ve mentioned before that I get in these cycles where I’ll chop my hair short and then let it grow out for a few years and wear it long before chopping it off again. Currently, I’m in the let it grow out stage and it’s finally below my shoulder again. If it was up to me, I’d chop it back into the bob I sported most of this past year because I totally loved it. With my flat iron, it was super easy to style. Katie Holmes was my inspiration:

   

Hubby loves when I change my hair up, though, because then he feels like he’s kinda married to a “different woman every day”. Whatever makes him happy. Only problem is, my flat iron bit the dust a couple months ago and they no longer make it so I’m having trouble finding an affordable replacement I’m happy with. Thus, my go to style of late has been leaving it naturally curly and I’m completely over it. It seems no matter what I do or what products I use the frizz takes over by midday. It’s got to go!

I’m not very talented with a blow dryer and that is why I loved the bob because the flat iron fixed EVERYTHING.

In the past I’ve turned to things like this to help me out:

But, let’s be honest here, those hairstyles don’t look realistic no matter who’s head you plop them on. (And no, that’s not me in those silly photos in case your eyesight has gone.)

Enter Google. How I love Google. What did we ever do without Google?

A quick search for “medium hairstyles” and “long hairstyles” resulted in the following selections I like:

I don’t know which way to go. I really like the bang on Mandy Moore & Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria’s simple straight layers, but the flirtyness of Eva Mendes asymmetrical do is super cute too. Only problem is, I can do the straight hair easily enough thanks to a flat iron, but the styles on the bottom look like I’d have to be pretty skilled with a blow dryer and then a curling iron and some good styling products to keep my naturally curly hair from frizzing out when I try to relax it into a softer wave.

Guess I’ll let my hairstylist make the final decision for me on Saturday and hopefully she’ll be able to give me some stellar tips too on how to style it because I really would love to go with something closer to Eva Mendes style.

Then again, I could always just have her style it like this for the Mayor’s Ball:

What the heck was Drew Barrymore thinking when she got out of the stylist’s chair that night? I definitely want to avoid having bouffant hair like that!

Oh, one other picture that came up on my Google search for “medium hairstyles”:

Again, not quite the look I’m going for, but Josh Holloway is pretty dreamy.

Tell me your opinion. Which style should I go with? Any hair products you found that work great on naturally curly hair? How about tips for having great success with using a blow dryer?

Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Rolls

I think I mentioned that I recently started following The Pioneer Woman on her blog. She always has me cracking up and her recipes are pretty good amazing too!

About a week ago I decided to make a batch of PW’s cinnamon rolls. Click here for the recipe.

I read the comments before I started and saw that some people had problems with the melted butter oozing out of the dough as they tried to roll it up. I experienced this same problem.

The first half of the dough I used melted butter and it oozed all out over the counters, the front of the dishwasher and the floor. If I hadn’t been so aggravated that I didn’t follow the suggestions of others my hands hadn’t been so covered in butter and cinnamon and sugar, I would have taken the chance to snap a photo. Trust me. It was NOT a pretty sight!

The second half of the dough I only softened the butter and that way seemed to work much better. Both ways were still pretty messy to cut, but they turned out delicious.

One batch made one 9 x 13 of 15 rolls. Here they are before the frosting:

And here they are after I added the delicious coffee/maple frosting:

 

It also made 5 round trays of 7 rolls each.

 

 

I was wanting to freeze the 5 round pans so hubby could enjoy them for breakfasts throughout the upcoming weeks. PW says you can freeze them at any stage, even after they’ve been iced. I decided to take her word for it and after pouring the frosting on and allowing them to cool completely, I covered them tightly with aluminum foil and placed them in the freezer with directions on top for hubby to reheat them. According to PW, you can either let them thaw and then heat them one at a time, or plop them in the oven frozen and with the foil on for about 20 minutes.

Hubby chose the frozen method and they came out just as heavenly tasting as those we ate fresh.

Have you tried any of Pioneer Woman’s recipes? If so, which ones?