The Troops

Today I'm most thankful for "my" troops.  Those family members and friends who are ALWAYS there for us no matter what.  And this week has been no different . . . .

So thankful for each of you!!

Clutter

Clutter.  Not exactly a wonderful word.  And actually not a condition I like although I'm guilty of it. So I have a problem tossing stuff out, because I like ALL of my stuff.  But when I found this calendar I realized that there was hope even for me.  And I love hope!  So check it out and just say NO to clutter in 2012!!

Cinnamon Rolls

One of my favorite things to bake and share at Christmas time are these Cinnamon Rolls.  This past year was no different.  Give them a try you will like love them I promise. (Sadly in my busy moment of baking I didn't get out the camera.  I will try to do better next time.  This cooking with a camera is going to be a challenge for me!)

2 pkgs. Yeast ½ cup of Warm Water 2 cups Milk, scalded ½ cup Shortening or Butter 7 cups of Flour 1 cup of Sugar

1 cup Mashed Potatoes (sometimes I just use instant) 2 Eggs, slightly beaten 2 tsp. Salt 1 cup Raisins ½ cup Chopped Walnuts Softened Butter, Sugar & Cinnamon

Soften yeast in warm water.  Let stand 10 minutes.  Pour hot milk over shortening.  Cool to lukewarm.

Stir in 4 cups flour, sugar, mashed potatoes, eggs, salt and dissolved yeast. Stir raisins and chopped walnuts into dough.  Slowly add remaining flour as needed to make a soft dough.  Cover and let rise until double.

Divide dough in half.  Roll into a 1/2" thick rectangle.  Spread softened butter onto dough.  Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.  Starting with long side, roll up jelly roll style.  Press edges tightly into roll.  Cut in 1½" slices.

Place in a greased 13x9 pan.  Cover.  Let rise until double in size.  Bake at 350E for 20 minutes. 

I like to frost mine when they are cool; some people like to frost them when they are warm.  This creates more of a glaze over the cinnamon roll.  Either way works!  I generally just make a simple frosting with powdered sugar, vanilla, milk and some butter.  This year I added cream cheese; the frosting was wonderful.  Just sayin' 

So start your ovens!

What a Memory

So this isn't exactly my first memory but it is a memory that I've carried with me for a long, long, long time.  I often wonder how I even remember it or why I did what I did.  When I think of it I wonder where on earth was my mother??  It is so gross to think about.  But then I realize that was a million years ago and back then mother's did shadow your every waking move like is done today.  Have I got you wondering??  Well what I remember is drinking out of the gutter..........I was thirsty and I was under 5 maybe under 4.  I know, I told you it was gross but we didn't have water bottles and don't ask me why.........we just did it.  The water looked clean..........I'm sure it was.  I know of no disease being contracted unless of course the reason behind my middle age growth spurt is in fact caused by my drinking gutter water as a child; maybe I should blame it on that.  I guess it could be possible!  Either way it is behind me and the thought of it makes me shutter!

This is the cleanest gutter I could find!

50+ years ago the gutters were much cleaner;

I'm sure of it!

1 Nephi 1:1

"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."

1 Nephi 1:1

The New Year is here and what a better way to start in the scriptures but in the beginning.