Clone of a Cinnabon

With nearly 5,000 reviews and a perfect 5 star rating, the Clone of a Cinnabon recipe is one of the most popular recipes on Allrecipes.com.After a taste test, I understood why it was so popular and determined these were too good to keep all to myself.

Last year, I gave the gift of  Chocolate Chip Cookies to friends and co-workers. This year will be these cinnamon rolls in cute individual serving cups. I managed to get 20 nice sized rolls that filled 3 1/2 inch diameter baking cups. I adapted this recipe by cooking the rolls at a lower temperature and increased the baking time. I also doubled the frosting recipe because it was the right thing to do :)

Cherry "Boy Bait" Cake

If you're looking for a basic cake recipe to use with fruits of the season, this is it. The original "Boy Bait" cake is moist, flavorful and works well with any fruit you chose to incorporate. Today, I had some fresh sweet cherries on hand. I made some changes to the original recipe and used all brown sugar and topped the cake with a crumb topping made of oats, nuts and cinnamon. I was pleased with how the cherry variation turned out and have been fantasizing about trying it with chunks of peaches the next time around.

 

Raspberry and Cream Cheese Rolls

These rolls are time consuming no doubt about it. So bake them for those who are worth the time and effort. You will be rewarded with their appreciation and admiration ...or that's the way it plays in my head anyway. 

Don't let the amount of time needed deter you from trying the recipe.  Most of it is spent waiting for the rolls to rise. And you know what I always say, you can't rush the rise, baby. The 3or 4 hours of waiting time could be spent tackling all those projects you've pinned. Or if you're like me, looking for blog posts to pin and not doing any actual crafting. I have every intention on tackling them one day. Really? Really.

Sorry for the lack of step by step photos. An enormous amount of coffee was consumed this morning which resulted in the jitters. I was unable to steady myself sufficiently for decent shots. It happens.

Let's get baking!

Green Monster Smoothie Pancakes

I've been drinking Green Monster smoothies for breakfast every morning since November. If you're unfamiliar with these bright green concoctions, there are a number of variations, but the classic recipe is made with just milk, a banana and spinach. (You won't taste the spinach, I promise!) While I am addicted to them, there are some days (like today) that I crave pancakes. So instead of feeling sad and deprived I decided to combine the two. I get to cave into a craving while getting some veggies in the process. Win-win.

I was worried that the green color wouldn't be as vibrant once cooked. As you can see from the photo the color really pops. This would make a wonderful addition to the breakfast table on St. Patrick's Day. Another win.

Blackberries and yogurt

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of the catalytic event that prompted me to change my lifestyle and eating habits. 10 years ago I was a 21 year old college student and was at my heaviest at 168 pounds and a tight size 14. This may not sound like much, but on my 5'0 frame the extra weight was unforgiving. 

Anyone who has ever started their own weight loss journey has that one trigger that made them lose the weight. Mine came in the form of an older lady, whom I had never met, who struck up a conversation with me at a local bookstore. She talked about her son and how he was single (and ready to mingle). She showed me his picture and said she would like for us to meet, but that "You need to lose weight first." Ouch. "At least 30 pounds." Really?!

Wanting to date this complete stranger's son was NOT what prompted me to lose weight, because honestly he looked like if Geico caveman had a baby with Screech Powers (Not medically possible, just trying to give you a visual). I was angry that someone thought I wasn't good enough because of my weight. So I challenged myself to take better care of my health and land myself a guy who was way hotter than caveman, Jr. Mature, right? 

The first year I lost 45 pounds and the next year, another 20 lbs, giving me a healthier Body Mass Index for my height. There were three things that made the weight drop off. No magic pills or potions, just portion control, exercise and consistency.

It has been 10 years since starting the journey towards better health and I'm still on it. I've realized it doesn't end once the weight is off. The "maintenance" component is just as challenging as initially losing weight. Some days it's easy to make healthy choices and other days it's a struggle. I'm still learning to balance it all out.

Speaking of healthy choices, I want to share a healthy snack with you today. It only has 4, (Four. Cuatro. Apat. Quatre) ingredients and there is no cooking or baking involved. GASP!

Baked Egg Boats

       
Making these egg boats brought back repressed memories of my short, 2 week career as a Sandwich Artist at Subway. It was around the time they used to cut a v-shaped wedge out of the middle of their sandwich bread. We were told cutting it this way turned the roll into a mess free container for the meat. It was a technique I rarely did correctly. Too shallow of a channel and you wouldn't be able to fit in the all of the exorbitant amount of toppings the customer demanded. I found myself apologizing over my inept carving skills. "I'm so sorry. I could only fit a slice of turkey and a few pickles in there." Didn't always appease the customer. It's OK. I realize now they were speaking out in hunger (I read that once on Pinterest).

Too deep and you risk cutting all the way to the bottom of the roll. By the time you've carved out the perfect groove, you realize you've gone through half a dozen rolls and there's a long line of impatient customers. Ah, yes. 2 long weeks as a Sandwich Artist. Anywhoo...

Remember that time we made brioche and eggs for breakfast? The folks over at Spoon Fork Bacon have taken the egg bake to the next level with the addition of the killer trio: bacon, cheese and heavy cream. I highly recommend practicing the v-shaped wedge cut before proceeding. Let's get to cooking shall we?

English Muffins

For those who enjoy a warm, toasted English muffin every morning for breakfast, may I suggest making your own? It's not as complicated as you think and if you set an afternoon aside to make them, you can have fresh muffins for the entire week or a few weeks if you double the recipe.

While some English muffin recipes make a spongy batter, this recipe forms a soft dough, so you will not need muffin rings to make these. If you have a round cookie cutter and a griddle or pan, then you're set. Happy griddling!

Glazed Apple Fritters

 

I am not a morning person.

I need a warning label that says, "Do not attempt interaction between the hours of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. OR until thoroughly caffeinated."

Which is why in this household, breakfast pastries are made and served at a decent hour...as dessert.

But these apple studded fritters were so quick and easy to make it had me channeling my inner, peppy, happy morning person to wake up early the next day and make again! 

We should totally make these together at the ungodly hour of dawn. Are you with me? 

Here's what you'll need...

Sweet Potato Challah

Challah, a traditional Jewish egg bread, is one of my favorite breads to make. Not only does it make the most amazing French toast for the next day, the loaves can be formed in various shapes and braids which look impressive and beautiful.

The following recipe is anything but traditional. The addition of mashed sweet potatoes resulted in a super tender loaf and a slightly orange hue. Butter instead of oil added a richer flavor that complemented the sweet potatoes.

Cherry Pockets

I was thinking about you. Yes, you specifically. I just wanted to say thanks. Thank you for helping me see the bright side of things when all I wanted to see were the shadows. For helping me find my voice when I wanted to sink in the silence. For knowing me when I felt like a stranger to myself. For helping me realize that I am enough. Your encouraging words have helped me get through the past few weeks. From the roots of my soul...thank you <3

Blueberry Scones

Can I interest you in something blueberry? These blueberry scones will melt in your mouth. (recipe below). Not what you're looking for? Check out these other recipes...

Lemon Blueberry Pull Apart bread incorporates the juicy berry with the tartness of lemon. 

This Blueberry "Boy Bait" Cake will have the object of your affection falling in love with you all over again.

Or try this simple, no fail recipe for Blueberry Muffins.

Orange Glazed Strawberry Scones

Infomercials are the devil. I'm convinced of it. They target those who are weak willed like myself. Sure, I could have blamed the impulsiveness of my purchase on the Nyquil (It impaired my judgment I swear), but I have no discipline when it comes to getting things I must have and can't live without. That being said, I received the Brazilian Butt Lift Workout DVDs in the mail a few days ago. If soreness is any indication of product effectiveness, consider it highly effective! 3 workouts in and I'm unable to walk or climb stairs without whimpering. It's definitely a booty kicker.

In other news, I made scones that Mr. Incredible proclaimed as "...the best thing you have ever baked." That's quite a statement. After the first bite, I agreed. After scarfing down the 2nd scone I totally believed it. These were the best things ever. EVER.

I modified the recipe from Ina Garten's Cranberry Orange Scones recipe. The resulting scones are tender, moist and sweet. The strawberries cooked down giving it a sweet jam like taste. Feel free to substitute your favorite fruit in place of strawberries (blueberries, cherries, cranberries, peaches would be yummy).

Orange Glazed Strawberry Scones

Adapted from Ina Garten's recipe

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, grated
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup cold heavy cream
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup sugar, the baking powder, salt and orange zest. Add the cold butter and mix at the lowest speed. Combine the egg and heavy cream and, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough will look lumpy.  Add the strawberries to the dough, and mix on low speed until blended.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. You should see small bits of butter in the dough. Keep moving the dough on the floured board so it doesn't stick. Flour a 3-inch round plain or fluted cutter and cut circles of dough. Place the scones on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Collect the scraps neatly, roll them out, and cut more circles.

Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch.

Allow the scones to cool for 15 minutes and then whisk together the confectioners' sugar and orange juice, and drizzle over the scones.

Simple French Toast

Thick slices of country bread, soaked in whole milk, eggs, vanilla and sugar then pan fried in butter. 

This is what I'm asking you to put in your face today.

Your belly can thank me later. Your hips, butt and thighs can address formal complaints to my dog Yoshi. He's a good listener. Trust me, I know.

In my world, the perfect French toast has a golden brown exterior with crisp edges and a rich, custardy (is that a word?) center.
 
To achieve this French toast perfection you'll need good day old bread cut into one inch slices and you must pan fry in butter on a low-medium flame.  This will blow your mind!

Vegas baby! (Croissants and muffins revisited)

I saw radiant fountains that danced to music.

Exquisite murals painted on high gilded ceilings.

Magnificent architecture.

And thousands of these evil things. The Wheel of Fortune slots. These machines are equipped with a free spin symbol that gives you a bonus payoff. Once you activate the bonus spin, a "Wheel of Fortune" wheel on top of the machine is activated. The games have a button to push that starts the wheel spinning and awards you, depending on where the wheel stops, anywhere from 25 coins up to the current progressive jackpot. 

This machine and I were not friends...at first. I set my limit to the $50 I put in it. My money was going fast and with nothing to show for it! All I wanted was one SPIN. Forget the current progressive jackpot of $4.5 million...I want that bonus spin! (which on this machine only ranged from $25-$1,000). Then finally, I hit my first SPIN. The lights start flashing, the Wheel of Fortune music and audio of a "live" studio audience oooooh-ing and aaaaaaaaaaw-ing start playing. Hitting the SPIN was really very exciting. 

Attack of the mini doughnuts!

Photos of powdered sugar covered or chocolate dipped rings started showing up on Foodgawker and Tastespotting...the mini doughnut craze was taking over. Little did I know I would be the next victim. They had taken over my thoughts and my cravings. The only way to free myself was to eat them. All of them. So I did. 

Take that super delicious mini cakes with holes in them!  You thought you had me, but I showed you who's boss. I beat you up into a batter, tortured you with a little heat, and drowned you in chocolate ganache! And then, like that wasn't enough...I pelted you with sprinkles. The rainbow kind. I enjoyed that and yes I would do it again. Next time, though you'll be dredged in a tub of cinnamon sugar. Muahaha haha haaaa!

Baked mini doughnuts

Ingredients:

Bribery with Breakfast Pizza

The stars must have been in optimal alignment last weekend when Mr. Incredible willingly agreed to take me shopping. Shopping for floor to ceiling bookshelves. An hour and a half away. At IKEA. Knowing full well that I would take my sweet little time exploring every inch of that 300,000 square foot warehouse with genuine childlike wonderment. Those of you who personally know Mr. Incredible understand that his willingness to shop is the equivalent to an annular eclipse...a rare occurrence happening only once every 241 years (yes, that's an exaggeration).

How did I get him to do it you ask? It may have been my flirtatious chin down, look up, bat the eyelashes and smile coyly technique.  No joke, it works. The research has been done. Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes by Jena Pincott. Check out Chapter 6 "What's the strongest signal you can use to get someone's attention?" It could also have been my smile technique combined with a little breakfast pizza. I'm pretty sure it was. It's a killer combination.

The great things about breakfast pizza are (if you have leftover pizza dough on hand...if not, here's the recipe I use) it's fast to put together and it doesn't take long to bake. So you can have that pie in your belly in under 20 minutes. Here's what you do...

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees (you can use a pizza stone or a regular oiled pizza pan). Roll out your dough. (Click here for recipe) Top it with cheese, bacon pieces, and green onions. Crack a few eggs on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until cheese is melted and eggs are cooked to your liking.

Slice it up.

Serve.

Breakfast brioche and eggs

Good morning sunshine! How are you today? I'm sorry, did I hear you say that you have some brioche leftover from the last baking venture? You have way more self discipline than I do. Those plump little suckers were demolished in a couple days in this home. And there are only two of us. (I'll let my butt and my skinny jeans battle that one out later). In the mood for something savory? Well, if I had a couple brioche leftover this is what I'd do...

Preheat the oven to 350. Put a couple (or more) brioche on a baking sheet.

Off with their heads!!!

Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Crack an egg into the cavity. They're watching you...

Bake until egg is set to your liking.

Dig in!