Joyful Living
Contributed by Linda Pelton
What an extraordinary area we live in! Viewing natural beauty uplifts the soul and it is free to enjoy! I hate to miss any as throughout each day and sometimes the night it appears in many forms. From first light of dawn to middle of the night Northern Lights and magnificent star gazing. Some days are heaped full of amazing sights and some fun to see. This morning driving along the KGB I was delighted to see two dog sled teams in training! The Sun highlighting the jagged, dramatic Chugach Mountain peaks was stunning and glinting on Cook Inlet reflected like pure gold!
The mountains closer in looked like powdered sugar had sifted over them! Snow time is here! The colder weather drives me right into the kitchen making soups, stews and baking that fills home with delightful aromas. Thought I would share a fun, easy recipe for delicious Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Great to make with children.
Scald 1 1/2 cups of milk, stir in 4 teaspoons of salt, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup vegetable shortening. Cool to lukewarm, and whisk in 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cup lukewarm water, and 6 3/4 teaspoons yeast, or 3 yeast packs. Whisk in flour until pudding consistency, then add more flour stirring in until dough forms, but still a slight bit sticky. About 8 cups of flour. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.
I take half out at a time, drop onto floured surface, and shape into a rectangle pressing it thinner. Spread with 1/4 cup soft butter, sprinkle on cinnamon and raisins, chopped nuts as desired. Roll carefully, then cut across roll 1 1/2-inch slices. place in greased baking dish just touching. Cover, let rise to double size, bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. I run a stick of butter over them when they are out of the oven, and frost with vanilla or glaze when still warm.
Sharing with family and friends is a good thing too!