GRAYCE'S CINNAMON ROLLS

Hi everyone.  Hopefully you have not forgotten me.  I am working on the book.  It is a long, tedious, project.  But I know it is all going to be worth it in the end.  Today I want to give you one of my very favorite recipes.  Cinnamon Rolls.  They take some time but they are so worth the effort.  Just ask my Daughter Linda, she made them for Christmas Eve Brunch.  Yummy!

GRAYCE'S CINNAMON ROLLS

2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
11/4 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
5 cups all purpose flour

FILLING

melted butter
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans (you can leave out the nuts if you don't like them)
Cinnamon

Sprinkle the yeast into the warm water.  Let it stand until it is completely dissolved.  Heat the milk and butter together until the butter is melted.  Don't let it boil.  Pour it into a large mixing bowl.  Stir in the sugar, the salt and the vanilla.  Set aside and cool until lukewarm.  Stir in the yeast mixture.  Add the eggs one at time and beat untill smooth.  Gradually beat in the flour to make a soft dough.  Turn out onto a floured counter or large board.  Knead until the dough is smooth and has a satiny sheen.  Place in a greased bowl (large).  Brush the top lightly with melted butter.  Cover with a clean kitchen towel.  Put in a draft free spot and let it rise until doubled.  This will take about 1 to 2 hours.  Divide dough in half and knead it lightly.  Roll each piece into a 10x12 inch rectangle.  Spread generouly with melted butter.  Mix the brown sugar with about 1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. (if you are using nuts sprinkle those over all). Sprinkle half over each rolled out rectangle.  Roll up and cut into 3/4 inch slices.  Prepare 3 nine inch square or round baking pans, with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkled with about 2/3 cup of brown sugar.  Place the cut rolls into the pans, cover and let rise until they are doubled in size.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until the top are golden brown.  Remove from the oven and immediately turn upside down onto cake racks or platter, and remove pans.  Frost with a mixture of powdered sugar, water and almond extract or just leave plain.

The aroma alone will have you drooling.  Enjoy
Thanks for stopping in today
Ciao
Grayce