Saturday, January 11, 2014

Scotten Cinnamon Rolls

I finally worked up the courage to make cinnamon rolls, Scotten style.  Our friends, the Scotten family, make amazing cinnamon rolls from scratch.  The Mennonite bakery here has my favorite cinnamon rolls in the area but their bakery is closed the entire month of January so the only way to have what I was really craving was to make them myself - and I'm sure glad I did! :)

Cinnamon Rolls by Donna Scotten
1/2 cup instant potato flakes
1 cup water
2 packages yeast (or 4 1/2 tsp.)
2 cups warm water (115 to 120 degrees)
9 1/2 to 10 cups bread flour
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
1 cup shortening, melted
1 tablespoon salt

Filling (I double for entire batch):
1/2 cup softened butter/margarine
1 1/3 cup light brown sugar
3-4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins (optional)

Icing by Paula Deen (for half batch):
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
4 tablespoons hot water

Stir potato flakes into one cup water microwave safe bowl. Microwave for three minutes and stir.  Combine yeast and two cups warm water and let stand for five minutes.  Combine mashed potatoes, four cups flour, eggs, sugar, shortening, and salt in six quart mixer bowl.  Stir in yeast mixture and blend.  Gradually stir in remaining flour until soft dough dorms.  Cover and let rise about one hour or until doubled. Divide dough in half.  Roll each portion into a rectangle and spread with filling.  Roll into a jelly roll and cut into one inch slices.  Put in greased pan and cover, let rise thirty minutes or until doubled.  Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top.  Glaze with powdered sugar icing.  Makes six dozen rolls.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Pics by Margo!

Margo got our old camera for Christmas so here are some pics from her perspective...
A sleepy Carolina

Playing with Mommy (after Mommy took a shower)

Lining up her girls

Nativity set

Living room at Christmas

Mommy making dinner

Daddy sleeping

Camera timer - I was pretty impressed! :)

Casey in his cage

Living room floor

Skates on!

Casey under the couch...

and Carolina on top of the couch!

Nails by Margo!

Pic by Daddy of Margo dancing!
Selfie!

Margo's Wii Bowling record! :)

Monday, January 6, 2014

26 Weeks Comparision

26 Weeks with Baby James Drummond
26 Weeks with Baby Margo Grace!


Saturday, January 4, 2014

Rock Wall Climbing on the way home!

Margo trying out climbing on belay.

On her way up - next to her friend Kayden who moved from Fort Campbell to Chattanooga with her family.

Daddy showing off his skills!

Climbing to the top!

Margo's turn again!

Going up!

And again going up to the top of the rock wall!

She made it to the top! :)

Margo at the top and Jim helping to coach her!

She loved rock climbing and we may have found a new activity to do together! And it made for a very tired girl on the way back from South Carolina and an easier ride for Mommy and Daddy! :)

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Doggies in Aiken

Getting to spend time with Allie - my favorite hairdresser's collie! :)


Carolina and Holly playing tug of war in the evening! :)


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

New Years Eve!

A party for one - Nina is ready! :)


Sparklers!!!



Setting up snakes!





Poppers! :)




Happy New Year - 2014!!! :)