Cinnamon Rolls

CINNAMON ROLLS
*this recipe is from allrecipes.com, I can't find the link so...

1 C milk
1/2 C butter
1 C water
1 Tbsp yeast
1 C sugar
2 eggs
6 C flour

Filling
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 C dark brown sugar
1/2 C butter, softened

Use a topping like cream cheese or caramel, etc...I have my favorites under frostings/toppings

Warm milk on stove till it bubbles.  Melt butter in milk and remove from heat.  Warm water to about 110 degrees and add yeast.  Stir.  Add the rest of the ingredients (add flour slowly, beating after each 1/2 C) to the water and cooled milk/butter mixture and combine.  Knead until the dough until smooth.  This dough is a little sticky, it won't be like a bread dough.
Divide into two even sections.  Roll out one section about 12x9 square.  Spread half the filling mixture onto dough and roll up.  Cut into 1" pieces and place in a greased pan.  Let rise and double in size.  Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes.

Orange Roll Pull Aparts

ORANGE ROLL PULL APARTS
*I often make orange rolls from scratch but if you have a lot to do or no time these are excellent

20 Rhode's dinner rolls, thawed
1 large orange peel, zest/grate the entire peel
3 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 C sugar

Glaze...
1 C powdered sugar, may need more or less
2 Tbsp orange juice concentrate, slightly melted
1 Tbsp butter, melted
(I often make more than this, you can just add more concentrate and powdered sugar.  You don't really need more butter)

Put rolls in a 9x13 pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Wait till they are thawed and then drizzle with butter.  Combine orange zest and sugar and sprinkle over rolls after the butter.  Cover and let rise until size doubles.  Remove cover and bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes.
Make a glaze combining powdered sugar, juice and melted butter.  Glaze rolls while still warm.

Pineapple Jello

PINEAPPLE JELLO
*from Gma, so easy...so good.

1 pkg (6oz) lime jello
1 can (large) crushed pineapple, drained
1 C whipped topping

Make jello according to package directions and let cool until almost set.  Whip jello and add pineapple and whipped topping till fluffy and smooth. You can do this with a hand beater or I just use a whisk.

Chocolate Zucchini Bread

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI BREAD

1/2 cup butter, softened (or half applesauce, half butter)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 - 1/4 C buttermilk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup grated unpeeled zucchini
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl and gradually add to mixture.  This makes a thick mixture!  Stir in zucchini and chocolate chips.  Spoon into a bread pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until done.  

You can add in nuts or flaked coconut! 

PS tried this in my bread maker and it was perfect.  If you have a cake setting try it (added a pinch more of baking powder, melted the butter and don't add the milk) and it was great.  Drop the chocolate chips in when your bread maker says to add them :)

Cinnamon Quinoa Cereal

CINNAMON QUINOA CEREAL

1 cup milk 
1 cup water 
1 cup rinsed quinoa
1/2 tsp cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick



Combine milk, water, cinnamon stick and quinoa in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Take quinoa off the heat and let stand covered 5 minutes.

Top with roasted nuts, fresh fruit and honey or agave.

Black Bean Brownies

There are lots of these recipes floating around so if you find a good one tell me...

3 C black beans (2 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed
4-5 tbsp cocoa powder
1 C rolled oats
1/4 tsp salt (optional - I think they are okay without it)
2/3 - 1 cup pure maple syrup or honey (I can never decide which I like better)   -You can also use regular sugar for part of this if you like
1/2 C coconut oil (or other oil)
4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1 C chocolate chips

Put the all ingredients, except chocolate chips, into a food processor or a good blender. Watch out with the blender because it is thick. Add the chips and stir. Pour into a 9x13 greased pan. Cook at 350 for about 18-20 min. These brownies are not super thick (fyi)

update...I noticed that chocolatecoveredkatie has a very similar recipe up. If are vegan you should check out her blog.

Orzo Pasta with Parmesan

ORZO PASTA with PARMESAN
*really good, great base to add anything you want to and spice it how you want although it is great plain

1 tablespoons butter
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth/vegetable broth
1/4 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup chopped fresh basil
pepper to taste

Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned. 
Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 - 20 minutes.  Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper.

Note - if you want this to be a main dish then add some blanched spinach or roasted peppers or mushrooms or broccoli, etc