Pages

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes


Yesterday was the Saturday before Christmas.  I was hankering for a special breakfast - either something we hadn't had in awhile or something new.  
I remembered that I had seen cinnamon roll pancakes in several places in the past few months and the idea just wouldn't go away.  

I asked Grant if he'd rather me make Gingerbread Pancakes or Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.  

I had a strong feeling I knew what his answer would be.

See, Grant and Corban are h.u.g.e. fans of Gingerbread Pancakes.  I don't even know when I made them last, but it's been months. Plus, what better time to make them than at Christmas time?  Not to mention the fact that Grant isn't always a fan of me trying new recipes - he enjoys the old faithful ones that he's sure he'll like. (of course, all of my recipes were new to him at some point....but I digress.)

So I was surprised and delighted when he replied, "Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes."  

Alrighty then!  Good thing, because I couldn't find my mom's ginger anyways and she wasn't up yet.  hehehe.
Cooking/baking in a kitchen that isn't your own can be a challenge.  

So I have to say, these are so much easier than you might think.  They only take a few extra minutes to make versus plain pancakes, and they are so amazingly delicious.  

They'll probably make your griddle or frying pan a little messy - I recommend scraping the excess cinnamon mixture off between batches of pancakes.  

The original recipe called for a cream cheese frosting. I decided that was a little over the top - I reserve that sort of decadence for Christmas Day with these, after all - so I just made a simple glaze that is a lot less calories and cheaper, too.  I also reduced the amount of filling the recipe called for and still had some left over.

I was feeding my family of seven (some being small children) plus two extra adults (my parents) with this recipe, and we only had two leftover after everyone had their fill.  Feel free to cut the recipe in half or thirds if you have a small crew.  

But plan for extras - because once you taste these, you won't want to stop at a reasonable portion.  They're just too good,  

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (adapted from Recipe Snobs)

Cinnamon Filling:
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 T. cinnamon

Pancakes: 
3-1/4 cups flour (I used part whole wheat, part unbleached all purpose)
2 T. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 T. brown sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups milk
1/3 cup oil (I used expeller pressed coconut oil)

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 T. milk

To make the filling, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon well.  Spoon into a ziplock bag and snip off one tiny corner.  Set aside in a bowl.

Preheat your griddle or frying pan while you're making the pancakes.  

To make the pancakes, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and oil.  Pour into the dry mixture and stir to combine.  Don't over stir; a few lumps are just fine.  

Drop the batter on the griddle using a 1/4 cup  measuring scoop.
When the pancakes begin to form bubble, add the filling.  Starting at the center of the pancake, squeeze the filling on top of the pancake batter in a swirl, just like you see in a regular cinnamon roll.  Be careful to not get the filling too close to the sides.  It will bleed over. Cook the pancakes until the bubbles begin popping on top and they're golden brown on the bottom..  Flip over and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden.

To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make a drizzling consistency.  Stir until smooth and drizzle over warm pancakes.  



Yesterday was the Saturday before Christmas.  I was hankering for a special breakfast - either something we hadn't had in awhile or something new.  
I remembered that I had seen cinnamon roll pancakes in several places in the past few months and the idea just wouldn't go away.  

I asked Grant if he'd rather me make Gingerbread Pancakes or Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.  

I had a strong feeling I knew what his answer would be.

See, Grant and Corban are h.u.g.e. fans of Gingerbread Pancakes.  I don't even know when I made them last, but it's been months. Plus, what better time to make them than at Christmas time?  Not to mention the fact that Grant isn't always a fan of me trying new recipes - he enjoys the old faithful ones that he's sure he'll like. (of course, all of my recipes were new to him at some point....but I digress.)

So I was surprised and delighted when he replied, "Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes."  

Alrighty then!  Good thing, because I couldn't find my mom's ginger anyways and she wasn't up yet.  hehehe.
Cooking/baking in a kitchen that isn't your own can be a challenge.  

So I have to say, these are so much easier than you might think.  They only take a few extra minutes to make versus plain pancakes, and they are so amazingly delicious.  

They'll probably make your griddle or frying pan a little messy - I recommend scraping the excess cinnamon mixture off between batches of pancakes.  

The original recipe called for a cream cheese frosting. I decided that was a little over the top - I reserve that sort of decadence for Christmas Day with these, after all - so I just made a simple glaze that is a lot less calories and cheaper, too.  I also reduced the amount of filling the recipe called for and still had some left over.

I was feeding my family of seven (some being small children) plus two extra adults (my parents) with this recipe, and we only had two leftover after everyone had their fill.  Feel free to cut the recipe in half or thirds if you have a small crew.  

But plan for extras - because once you taste these, you won't want to stop at a reasonable portion.  They're just too good,  

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (adapted from Recipe Snobs)

Cinnamon Filling:
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 T. cinnamon

Pancakes: 
3-1/4 cups flour (I used part whole wheat, part unbleached all purpose)
2 T. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 T. brown sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups milk
1/3 cup oil (I used expeller pressed coconut oil)

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 T. milk

To make the filling, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon well.  Spoon into a ziplock bag and snip off one tiny corner.  Set aside in a bowl.

Preheat your griddle or frying pan while you're making the pancakes.  

To make the pancakes, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and oil.  Pour into the dry mixture and stir to combine.  Don't over stir; a few lumps are just fine.  

Drop the batter on the griddle using a 1/4 cup  measuring scoop.
When the pancakes begin to form bubble, add the filling.  Starting at the center of the pancake, squeeze the filling on top of the pancake batter in a swirl, just like you see in a regular cinnamon roll.  Be careful to not get the filling too close to the sides.  It will bleed over. Cook the pancakes until the bubbles begin popping on top and they're golden brown on the bottom..  Flip over and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden.

To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make a drizzling consistency.  Stir until smooth and drizzle over warm pancakes.  


reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Gingerbread Waffles


"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go. Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again, with candy canes and silver lanes a-glow."

Oh, yes! ... It's almost Christmas! My baking is done. The presents are all wrapped (finally!). My last-minute grocery purchases are complete. And now ... it's time to simply enjoy the fun and festivities with friends and family. And in our family, nothing says Christmas day like these Christmas morning Gingerbread Pancakes.

There is, however, a family debate about how to best enjoy them.

Continue Reading >>

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go. Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again, with candy canes and silver lanes a-glow."

Oh, yes! ... It's almost Christmas! My baking is done. The presents are all wrapped (finally!). My last-minute grocery purchases are complete. And now ... it's time to simply enjoy the fun and festivities with friends and family. And in our family, nothing says Christmas day like these Christmas morning Gingerbread Pancakes.

There is, however, a family debate about how to best enjoy them.

Continue Reading >>
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Samoa Bark


It's day 10 of the 12 days of Christmas Sweets, can you believe it?  When the girl scouts come around I always buy two boxes of cookies: thin mints, & samoas!  So when I saw this recipe I knew I had to make it.  I need something to get me through until the girl scouts come knocking at my door during cookie season, & this recipe is it!  Plus it's really pretty & makes a lot!  It works great for neighbor gifts.  I hope you like it & come back tomorrow!  I am not done baking yet!  
 
Samoa Bark
Recipe lightly altered from Cookies & Cups by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

  • 12 oz (1 bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 35-40 shortbread cookies (I used Stauffers & it had 35 exactly)
  • 11 oz caramel bits (or 14oz bag squares)
  • 2 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
  • 2 Tbsp water (3 Tbsp if using 14oz of squares)
  1. Line a baking sheet with foil.  Set aside.
  2. Save 2 oz of chocolate chips & set aside.  Melt the remaining 10 oz of semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave on half power for 30 second intervals.  Spread the melted chocolate to your desired thickness (kind of thin like 1/4".)
  3. Top the warm chocolate evenly with your shortbread cookies.  The closer together, the easier it is to top with the caramel-coconut mixture.  Place baking sheet in the freezer while you do the next steps.
  4. In a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat, toast your coconut, stirring occasionally.  This will take about 10 minutes or so, but be watchful because once it starts to brown it happens quickly & you do not want to burn the coconut!  When the coconut is toasted, set aside.
  5. Meanwhile melt your caramel bits with 2 Tbsp of water over medium-low heat in a non-stick saucepan.  Stir constantly until just melted (it will get hard if you cook it longer.)  Turn heat off & remove pan from heat immediately.  Add coconut & fold gently.  
  6. Remove your chocolate from the freezer & spread the caramel-coconut mixture evenly on top.
  7. Melt your remaining 2 oz of chocolate in the microwave on half power for 30 second intervals until melted.  Drizzle over the top.  (I put mine in a plastic bag, cut the corner & squeeze it over the top for more even results.)
  8. Put back in the freezer for 5 minutes to set the chocolate.  Cut & enjoy!  Store in an airtight container.


It's day 10 of the 12 days of Christmas Sweets, can you believe it?  When the girl scouts come around I always buy two boxes of cookies: thin mints, & samoas!  So when I saw this recipe I knew I had to make it.  I need something to get me through until the girl scouts come knocking at my door during cookie season, & this recipe is it!  Plus it's really pretty & makes a lot!  It works great for neighbor gifts.  I hope you like it & come back tomorrow!  I am not done baking yet!  
 
Samoa Bark
Recipe lightly altered from Cookies & Cups by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

  • 12 oz (1 bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 35-40 shortbread cookies (I used Stauffers & it had 35 exactly)
  • 11 oz caramel bits (or 14oz bag squares)
  • 2 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
  • 2 Tbsp water (3 Tbsp if using 14oz of squares)
  1. Line a baking sheet with foil.  Set aside.
  2. Save 2 oz of chocolate chips & set aside.  Melt the remaining 10 oz of semi-sweet chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave on half power for 30 second intervals.  Spread the melted chocolate to your desired thickness (kind of thin like 1/4".)
  3. Top the warm chocolate evenly with your shortbread cookies.  The closer together, the easier it is to top with the caramel-coconut mixture.  Place baking sheet in the freezer while you do the next steps.
  4. In a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat, toast your coconut, stirring occasionally.  This will take about 10 minutes or so, but be watchful because once it starts to brown it happens quickly & you do not want to burn the coconut!  When the coconut is toasted, set aside.
  5. Meanwhile melt your caramel bits with 2 Tbsp of water over medium-low heat in a non-stick saucepan.  Stir constantly until just melted (it will get hard if you cook it longer.)  Turn heat off & remove pan from heat immediately.  Add coconut & fold gently.  
  6. Remove your chocolate from the freezer & spread the caramel-coconut mixture evenly on top.
  7. Melt your remaining 2 oz of chocolate in the microwave on half power for 30 second intervals until melted.  Drizzle over the top.  (I put mine in a plastic bag, cut the corner & squeeze it over the top for more even results.)
  8. Put back in the freezer for 5 minutes to set the chocolate.  Cut & enjoy!  Store in an airtight container.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

English Toffee


Day 9:  I don't think I have dabbled in candy making since I was in school, but it being almost Christmas and all, I thought it was time to give it a go.  Really, it's quite simple to make this recipe.  The only problem I had was that my pot wasn't deep enough to attach my candy thermometer, so I had to hold it the whole time, but other than that, this is so easy!  It was really fun to make my own toffee & it smelled wonderful as it was caramelizing.  This toffee is crunchy, buttery, chocolatey, & nutty.  I can't stop eating it!  If you want an easy recipe to try your hand at candy making, then this is a great starter recipe for you.  Plus, who doesn't love toffee?  See you back tomorrow!


English Toffee
Recipe from Ghirardelli & adored by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 8oz (2 bars) Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar(s)
  • 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  1. Preheat oven to 350*F.  Toast the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until fragrant. (I actually did mine in a saute pan on the stove top, medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant.)
  2. With heavy-duty aluminum foil, form a 10-inch square shell with 1-inch high sides.  Place foil shell on a baking sheet, & set aside.
  3. In a heavy saucepan, cook the butter, sugar, water, & salt over medium heat until the temperature reaches 305*F (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally (watch closely after it reaches 290*F because the temperature will increase rapidly.)  
  4. When the mixture becomes dark golden brown, (mine took about 30 minutes) immediately remove the pan from the heat.  Stir in the vanilla extract. (Be careful it will bubble up.)  Pour the mixture into the foil shell.  It will spread, but may not reach the edges of the square.  COOL at room temperature for 45 minutes, or until hard.
  5. Melt the chocolate according to the instructions on the inside of the wrapper.  Spread melted chocolate over the COOLED toffee, & sprinkle with the pecans, pressing lightly to set pecans into chocolate.  LET SET at room temperature for 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.
  6. Break toffee into pieces.  Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 month.



Day 9:  I don't think I have dabbled in candy making since I was in school, but it being almost Christmas and all, I thought it was time to give it a go.  Really, it's quite simple to make this recipe.  The only problem I had was that my pot wasn't deep enough to attach my candy thermometer, so I had to hold it the whole time, but other than that, this is so easy!  It was really fun to make my own toffee & it smelled wonderful as it was caramelizing.  This toffee is crunchy, buttery, chocolatey, & nutty.  I can't stop eating it!  If you want an easy recipe to try your hand at candy making, then this is a great starter recipe for you.  Plus, who doesn't love toffee?  See you back tomorrow!


English Toffee
Recipe from Ghirardelli & adored by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)
  • 8oz (2 bars) Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar(s)
  • 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  1. Preheat oven to 350*F.  Toast the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until fragrant. (I actually did mine in a saute pan on the stove top, medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant.)
  2. With heavy-duty aluminum foil, form a 10-inch square shell with 1-inch high sides.  Place foil shell on a baking sheet, & set aside.
  3. In a heavy saucepan, cook the butter, sugar, water, & salt over medium heat until the temperature reaches 305*F (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally (watch closely after it reaches 290*F because the temperature will increase rapidly.)  
  4. When the mixture becomes dark golden brown, (mine took about 30 minutes) immediately remove the pan from the heat.  Stir in the vanilla extract. (Be careful it will bubble up.)  Pour the mixture into the foil shell.  It will spread, but may not reach the edges of the square.  COOL at room temperature for 45 minutes, or until hard.
  5. Melt the chocolate according to the instructions on the inside of the wrapper.  Spread melted chocolate over the COOLED toffee, & sprinkle with the pecans, pressing lightly to set pecans into chocolate.  LET SET at room temperature for 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.
  6. Break toffee into pieces.  Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 month.


reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Peppermint Crunch Chocolate Chip Cookies {for Sandy Hook}




This post is in honor and support of the victims of Sandy Hook. Bloggers unite on this day in support of the Newtown, Connecticut community after the tragic elementary school shooting one week ago, 12/14/12.


There's probably not a soul on the planet who hasn't heard of the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School one week ago today. And, like many, I want to help. If even in just a tiny way. So I join forces with a group of bloggers who decided to unite on this day with 'Cookies & Crafts for Sandy Hook.'


While this post is but a small tribute to the victims and their families, it's big in heart.

When I first sat down to write this, I was at a total loss as to what to say. Quite honestly, most of what I would like to say are ugly words directed toward the perpetrator of this completely senseless act. But ... I guess that's not really productive.

So, I'll leave my personal reaction at this ...

Continue Reading >>



This post is in honor and support of the victims of Sandy Hook. Bloggers unite on this day in support of the Newtown, Connecticut community after the tragic elementary school shooting one week ago, 12/14/12.


There's probably not a soul on the planet who hasn't heard of the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School one week ago today. And, like many, I want to help. If even in just a tiny way. So I join forces with a group of bloggers who decided to unite on this day with 'Cookies & Crafts for Sandy Hook.'


While this post is but a small tribute to the victims and their families, it's big in heart.

When I first sat down to write this, I was at a total loss as to what to say. Quite honestly, most of what I would like to say are ugly words directed toward the perpetrator of this completely senseless act. But ... I guess that's not really productive.

So, I'll leave my personal reaction at this ...

Continue Reading >>
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Buckeyes


Buckeyes seem to be one of those Christmas chocolates we would get from neighbors each year when I was young.  I always loved the peanut butter & chocolate treats.  I guess being that young, & having the metabolism that I did, I could even eat as many as I wanted to!  Haha.  These are still a lovely treat to make & share with friends.  They are so simple & everyone loves them!  

Tomorrow's treat is just as delicious so don't forget to check back!  Oh, & this recipe is perfect to cut in half if you want a few to snack on, but don't want to go overboard!


Buckeyes
Recipe from JIF & adored by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

  • 1 1/2 cups JIF Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 (12oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tbsp shortening

  1. Combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on LOW until blended. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating until blended. Beat in additional powdered sugar until mixture, when shaped into a ball, will stay on a toothpick. Shape into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate.  (My balls were a little bigger than 1-inch.  More like truffle size & I put toothpicks in each one on the tray before I put them in the fridge.) 
  2. Place chocolate chips and shortening in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until mixture is smooth. Reheat as needed while coating peanut butter balls.
  3. Insert toothpick in peanut butter ball. Dip 3/4 of ball into chocolate, leaving top uncovered to resemble a buckeye. Remove excess. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Remove toothpick. Smooth over holes. Refrigerate until firm. 


Buckeyes seem to be one of those Christmas chocolates we would get from neighbors each year when I was young.  I always loved the peanut butter & chocolate treats.  I guess being that young, & having the metabolism that I did, I could even eat as many as I wanted to!  Haha.  These are still a lovely treat to make & share with friends.  They are so simple & everyone loves them!  

Tomorrow's treat is just as delicious so don't forget to check back!  Oh, & this recipe is perfect to cut in half if you want a few to snack on, but don't want to go overboard!


Buckeyes
Recipe from JIF & adored by: Amber (Dessert Now, Dinner Later!)

  • 1 1/2 cups JIF Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 (12oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 Tbsp shortening

  1. Combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on LOW until blended. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating until blended. Beat in additional powdered sugar until mixture, when shaped into a ball, will stay on a toothpick. Shape into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate.  (My balls were a little bigger than 1-inch.  More like truffle size & I put toothpicks in each one on the tray before I put them in the fridge.) 
  2. Place chocolate chips and shortening in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until mixture is smooth. Reheat as needed while coating peanut butter balls.
  3. Insert toothpick in peanut butter ball. Dip 3/4 of ball into chocolate, leaving top uncovered to resemble a buckeye. Remove excess. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Remove toothpick. Smooth over holes. Refrigerate until firm. 

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

German Chocolate Cracker Candy {2 ways}




I love it when I have an event to bake for, 'cause it gives me an excuse to try out new recipes. I had been itching to try out this German Chocolate Cracker Candy for a while ... so when it came time for our December after-school teacher get-together, I whipped this recipe out of my files to give it a go.

But, things didn't go quite as planned for this one ... and I had to give these a second go. Fortunately, ...
Continue Reading >>



I love it when I have an event to bake for, 'cause it gives me an excuse to try out new recipes. I had been itching to try out this German Chocolate Cracker Candy for a while ... so when it came time for our December after-school teacher get-together, I whipped this recipe out of my files to give it a go.

But, things didn't go quite as planned for this one ... and I had to give these a second go. Fortunately, ...
Continue Reading >>
reade more... Résuméabuiyad