Saturday, November 28, 2009

Caramel Sticky Rolls

This morning I decided to make cinnamon rolls. After looking through my red Betty Crocker cookbook I found something similar called "caramel sticky rolls."



So I gave it a try. Betty Crocker has instructions for making the dough using a bread machine. One and a half hours later, the dough was ready to shape.



There is both a filling, and a topping, but because these bake upside down, the first thing that goes into the pan is the caramel topping (brown sugar, corn syrup and butter), along with some pecans.



Then the rolls go on top, and they rise for half an hour or so.



This recipe calls for a 9x13 pan, but mine is currently on duty in the fridge with leftover green bean casserole, so I opted for two smaller pyrex pans. Once they come out of the oven, you turn them upside down onto a platter and let the caramel drizzle down.





Yum...





Here's a link to the recipe on the Betty Crocker website.





Friday, November 27, 2009

November Sunlight

Yesterday was filled with family, cooking, eating, knitting and good times. Today is quiet, thoughtful, and filled with sunlight.

Today I am thankful for the sunlight.




I am working on a produce bag using this pattern.


Holiday Sale!

Just a quick update to let you all know about my Etsy shop's Holiday Sale. All coaster sets are now $12, and lanyards are marked down to $4.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
bethanthemum.etsy.com



Wednesday, November 11, 2009

watching the sun rise

I am a teacher. I live a hectic life. I often go to work in the dark, and come home in the dark. After the clock shift I have been getting to work in the early morning light, and so I began to notice the sunrise every morning. Depending on the day, sometimes I am still at home, and sometimes I am in the car. The first time it happened I was at home, and I felt so overjoyed that I ran to get the camera. I wasn't going to share those pictures online because, after all, who hasn't seen a beautiful sunrise? But some recent events have caused me to slow down a little, and appreciate the little moments of joy in my day. So I am sharing moments that brought joy to my heart, in the hopes that they bring joy to yours.










Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween 2009

Just a quick post to share some pictures.

Friday I made a double-batch of my favorite cookies. (recipe at the bottom)


I love fall baking. Mostly because I love using these spices.


These cookies stay amazingly moist, and disappear quite quickly.


And because Halloween is just not Halloween without some pumpkin carving/decorating, I humbly submit the following...

My husband's R2D2 pumpkin.


And my winky pumpkin.


Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and sugars. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

I can't remember where I found this recipe, but it is amazing.

What is your favorite thing to bake in the Fall?