Saturday, December 05, 2009

Cinnamon rolls on Saturday morning

Last night I started thinking of cinnamon rolls, warm and ooy-gooy rolls. So... I threw together the ingredients in the bread machine and let it do its' magic. All the work I had to do was later place it in a greased bowl, set a heavy plate on top, and let it rise in the frig overnight.

As I write, the rolls are out of the oven and on the cooling rack (and yes... you can only imagine the aroma in the air). All I had to do was set the dough out for awhile on the kitchen counter to let is "warm" just a bit before rolling them out and adding the cinnamon and sugar.

The hardest part was letting them rise again in a cold kitchen (outside temperature is 18 degrees) before going into the oven. I left four tablespoons of butter out overnight to soften enough for cinnamon roll "icing", a recipe I found long ago in an Amish cookbook which is more buttery than sweet.

I'm making Grandma's chicken casserole for dinner, an easy recipe which I can put together early in the afternoon when I have more energy. After days of assembling his own dinner because I didn't feel well, this will be a treat for hubby.

The only real occasion is a cold, wintry day. It is also the first morning Christopher can sleep in for ages. He had a few late nights and one near all-nighter, finishing semester projects and studying for tests. It is so hard to believe finals are coming up soon.

Hubby was awake early to have breakfast before heading out for a "handy man" job... enough to pay for gas in the car this week. Life does get interesting when one has to live by faith but His provision is amazing. It's not what I would have chosen... but it certainly strengthens faith muscles.

For instance, as I type, a kitty is vying for attention. She was stretched out beside me on the sofa last night and I told her how thankful I am of God's provision of a new furry friend. As I've written, she is not only sweet but she looks like the type of kitty I had my heart set on (much like Hazel, the kitty at the B&B). She likes it here. :)

I plan to get the Recommendations post up this week (remember it?) and I owe e-mails to a few people. Even with constant fatigue, I feel so much better when I'm not fighting flu bugs. As soon as I purchase AA batteries, I'll post pictures of my Christmas decorations. My husband says the tree is the prettiest ever (as far as decorating) but he tells me that every year.

All I have to do now to finish "decorating" is to make cinnamon hearts to hang on the porch tree. Instead of getting rid of our old Goodwill Christmas tree, I assembled it and placed it behind the rocking chair on the front porch. The cinnamon ornaments are basically free (I have old cinnamon I've saved for the project and a can of applesauce already).

I've never put a tree on the porch and I'm absolutely loving the way it looks. Again... pictures will follow when possible.

When one decides life is good and looks past that which isn't... the good life comes into focus. :)

Picture: Goodmorning;allposters.com

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have never really commented on your blog, except to participate in your previous book recommendations list, but I just wanted to tell you that your blog is such an encouragement to me. My life circumstances are not what I would choose for myself and my family either, but you help me to have a positive perspective and I appreciate that. If I don't have time to read any other blog, I always try to get to yours. Thanks for giving us simple ideas to help us enjoy life and see God's blessings even in the midst of trials (James 1). Juli

Elizabeth said...

Hello: I've never posted before either but I've been a big fan of this blog for a long time. It's one of the few blogs I read every day (and miss when there isn't a daily posting) and reread on occasion. I love the pantry posts, the stocking up posts and the making-do posts, when circumstances aren't so bountiful - most of us have had hard times at one times or another and it's wonderful to find new ways to cope and thrive. You are an inspiration to me and to others.

Connie said...

I can smell your cinnamon rolls - life is good!

Anonymous said...

Once we adjust our focus on things, it does help doesn't it? At least a glass half full is not an empty glass!!

Sometimes what we long or wish for, in time we see that it too is not what we thought we were wanting...better to accept what is as a gift too.
Elizabeth

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

Oh yummm! I bet your house smells delicious! I love cinnamon rolls and I have a bakery down the street that makes them with whole wheat flour (that way I can fool myself into thinking they're healthy) LOL!

Manuela

Shan said...

Dearest Brenda,

I just love reading your blog and couldn't agree more with your thoughts on choosing joy in difficult times.

I keep you in my prayers and ask the good Lord to cover you in healing and restoration.

I wish we lived closer so that I could visit with you in person...but I cherish the "visits" on your blog.

Thank you for your sharing your life with me.

Yours kindredly,
Shan
Honey Hill Farm

matty said...

What a lovely idea for the day! How are you making cinnamon hearts? That sounds wonderful (and I bet it smells even more so!).

You sound better today; I am glad! Enjoy what is left of the day!

Warmly (really, warmly, as it is cold!),

Matty

Susan Humeston said...

I love your choice for blog background - it's perfect!! I just love this blog!!

Susan Humeston said...

Since you inspired me, I've not only put up my tree this year, but I crammed every ornament on it I could find - it looks beautiful!! AND I put up garland on a couple of bookcases and extra sets of lights - it's Christmas crazy here - but oh, so nice. And I have you to thank - the Lord worked through you to remind me of the truth that joy is a CHOICE. May the Lord bless you and yours abundantly, Brenda.

Becky said...

I love your Christmas blog decor!

Lena said...

It is very pretty and Christmasey here, and I've enjoyed reading your wonderful writing. Although we don't share the same spiritual beliefs, I always find much to think about, and words that comfort me here. Thank you.

I think, that sometimes trials are given to those who are strong enough to bear them, so that they, in turn, can share with others the wisdom that they've gained from their experience. I think that you have so much to give, and are richer for having less, rather than more.

xo
Lena

P.S. I say both, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays. There are other holidays that are being celebrated this time of the year, and I try to respect all of them.