Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

Here is a wonderful recipe that creates light, fluffy whole wheat rolls... and you thought it was impossible! Seriously, this roll recipe is awesome if you want to a bit healthier cinnamon rolls. Have fun!

SHAR'S WHOLE WHEAT CINNAMON ROLLS
3 C fresh ground whole white wheat flour
1/2 C buttermilk powder or powdered milk
1/4 C potato flour
1/3 C vital wheat gluten
3 T SAF instant yeast
3 T dough enhancer

In a Bosch mixer, with a dough hook, mix on speed 2 for several minutes to ensure the powdered dairy will not lump. Add the following ingredients, in order:

3 C warm water, 115 degrees
1/2 C honey or xagave
1/2 C canola oil

Mix for 2-3 minutes on speed 2. Remove bowl from mixer, cover and let sponge for 15-20 minutes until the dough doubles in size. Put bowl back on mixer then add:

2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 T sea salt

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Continue to add fresh ground flour until the dough starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl but never picks up the bottom. The dough will be sticky. Knead on speed 2 for 6-7 minutes until the gluten develops.

To form the cinnamon rolls do the following:
1) Oil your hands and counter then roll out dough into a rectangle about 1 inch thick and 12 inches wide.
2) Spread with room temperature (soft) butter, about a stick or two.
3) Sprinkle with brown sugar, around 2+ cups.
4) Sprinkle generously with cinnamon or sweet spice blend.
5) Loosely roll the dough about 2-3 times, starting with the long side.
6) Cut the roll with dental floss to be about 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches thick.
7) Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
8) Turn the oven off. Place rolls in warm oven and let rise and double in size. (20-30 minutes)
9) Remove rolls from oven, preheat to 350 degrees. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the rolls in the center are baked through before removing from the oven.
10) Remove rolls from oven. Frost while still warm with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
2- 8 oz. cream cheese packages
1 stick of butter, softened to room temperature
2 t vanilla
powdered sugar

Cream the first 3 ingredients with a mixer. Add powdered sugar by the cup until you have a fluffy, soft consistency. If you want to extend the frosting add some milk.

Hint: If you want to freeze the cinnamon rolls for a later date bake them for 12 minutes at 350 degrees, then remove from the oven and cover with plastic. Freeze. When you're ready, remove rolls from freezer, let sit for 20-30 minutes then bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Frost and serve while warm.

Scrambled Eggs

I know I'm not the only mom in the whole world that knows how to make scrambled eggs. That being said, scrambled eggs are one of my kids' favorite foods. Here is how I make 'em up!

SCRAMBLED EGGS
6 eggs
1/2 C of grated cheese
1/4 C milk
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
pinch of garlic salt

Crack the eggs open and pour contents into a mixing bowl. Add other ingredients. Mix with a whisk or fork until well blended. Coat a skillet with non-stick spray and set on stove at medium-high heat. Pour egg mix into the warmed skillet. Let sit for a moment then scrape and turn the eggs in the skillet. Keep doing this until the eggs are fully cooked. Serve with toast.

Honey Whole Wheat Waffles

I am a lover of breakfast foods. Lately I have been experimenting with variations on the old standard baking mix waffles. I wanted waffles that were a tad bit more healthy and filling. This is what I came up with.

HONEY WHOLE WHEAT WAFFLES
2 cups of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of baking mix (or regular flour)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
2 eggs
2 cups of milk
1/4 cup of honey
1/4 cup of melted butter
1/4 cup of vegetable oil

Mix all of the above ingredients. If the batter is too runny add some more wheat flour until the consistency is right. If it is too dry add some more milk. Pour onto a heated waffle iron that's been coated with a non-stick spray and cook. Pull waffle off of the waffle iron and top with what your heart desires.

optional ingredients:
chocolate chips- sprinkle on top of the batter that you place in the waffle iron or atop the waffle after it's cooked.
pecans- chop finely then place over the batter in the waffle iron to add a nutty flair.
strawberries (or any kind of fruit or berries)- slice and place atop the waffle, before serving, to add color and taste.
whipped cream- whether you make it from scratch or it's squeezed out of a can it's yummy.
syrup- pure maple is best but any kind of syrup will add pizazz to your morning.

Warning: When topping these delicious waffles and feeding them to your children you may get cute faces looking like this-