Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are so light and fluffy, they're definitely a favorite! I usually half the recipe because it makes so many. Either way, you'll want to eat them all!

Mix:

3 1/3 c. warm water

1 c. oil

6 Tbsp. yeast

3/4 c. sugar

Let rest 15 minutes.

Add:
1 Tbsp. salt

10 1/2 c. flour
3 eggs

1/4 c. sugar

Stir, shape and roll out flat. Spread soft butter over the rolled out dough. Then, spread the cinnamon and sugar filling over the buttered dough. Roll like a jelly roll. Cut into 1 1/2 inch rolls. Place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle tops with filling. Let rise 15 minutes. Bake 425 for 8-10 minutes. Drizzle baked rolls with icing and enjoy!

Filling:
2 c. brown sugar

2 c. white sugar
4 Tbsp. cinnamon

1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Icing:
1 bag (4 cups) powdered sugar
1/2 stick margarine, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pinch salt
add milk for desired consistency

(When halved, the recipe makes about 30 rolls. I use 2 eggs instead of the 3 it originally calls for. I also half the filling mixture, but I make the full recipe of icing and end up using it all.)

Sunday Dinner Mashed Potatoes

This recipe is proof that the Church is true. Really. Since the prophet received revelation that the Sisters of the Church should have Home, Family and Personal Enrichment nights, and since I went to Enrichment on one particular night that I received this recipe from none other than Tammy Barney, (yeah, you know it's gonna be good.) and since Cari started this Recipe blog and since I made this recipe last night for dinner at the Packard's house to celebrate Elder Harris's birthday, and since there wasn't ANY leftover, the Church is true. So there.

Here's what ya need:

5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
4 T. butter, divided
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. onion salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Here's how to make it:

Place potatoes in boiling water for 20-25 minutes Or until very tender; drain well. In a large mixing bowl, mash potatoes. Add sour cream, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, onion salt and pepper; beat until fluffy. Transfer to a greased 2 qt. baking dish. Dot with the remaining butter. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. ENJOY!

Now you see it...

now you don't!

Man, I'M A GOOD COOK!!!

French Silk Pie

I thought I would start us out with my personal favorite and one of the only recipes that I make entirely from scratch. I'm pretty proud of this one, as it always gets compliments. It's a little time consuming, but it's definitely worth it, especially for the holidays.

Makes 1 9-inch pie

Crust:

8 Tablespoons (1 stick) chilled salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for pan

1/3 cup pecan halves

1- 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup firmly packed light-brown sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

Filling:

12 Tablespoons (1- ½ sticks) salted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1- ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 large eggs

Whipped cream, for serving

Chocolate curls, for serving

1. Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325°. Butter a 9-inch pie plate; set aside. Grind pecans in a food processor, or chop very finely with a knife. In a medium bowl, combine flour, pecans, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press firmly into prepared pie plate. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

2. Make the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. With the vanilla. Add eggs, on at a time, beating at medium speed for five minutes after each addition. Blend in chocolate. Pour filling into cooled pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap, and transfer to the refrigerator to cool for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

3. Just before serving, top pie with whipped cream, and decorate with chocolate curls.

Note: Raw eggs should not be used in food preparation for pregnant women, babies, young children, or anyone whose health is compromised.