#TastyTuesday - Minnesota Sticky Buns

 Mom and Dad just got back from being with family in Minnesota. Of course we talked about the food and now the guys are craving Aunt Rosemary's stick buns. 

Yum! Can you smell the caramel and cinnamon?

Mom gave me the recipe and at big family gatherings the rolls are still the highlight (and the most requested breakfast item). The Minnesota family tradition continues.

Gram tells the kids they have to share.

While on our family vacation last summer, Mom made the rolls for our growing family. This was the first time with our new daughter-in-law and significant other. As usual, there were no leftovers.

Mom and Dad have been married for 64 years, still find romance in the kitchen.

Overnight Caramel Rolls

Ingredients:

2 loaves frozen bread dough (cut into 24 pieces) or frozen rolls (24 little rolls)

1 pkg (cook-type) butterscotch pudding

4 Tbsp milk

3/4 c brown sugar

1 stick butter

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan. Cut loaf of bread dough into 12 pieces, place in pan.

Mix butterscotch pudding, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved. Pour over dough. Set on counter overnight.

 

In the morning, back at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.

Monday Morning Hero

 Birds often think they can fly through our log home in the woods, but quickly learn it is impossible. 

Today a little feathered friend saw stars after he bounced off one of the great windows above the deck. Flyboy, gently handled the tiny critter until he regained some balance. 

After a short rest, the Nuthatch flew off with a squeak of thanks. 

**sigh** 

Nothing beats a sexy hero with gentle hands.

Love is A Puffy Apple Pancake

Today's word is LOVE. While I was doing my morning yoga, LOVE was the word that came into my mind. Being September, the word APPLE also comes to mind.

Sunday at Grams was about food, family, fun and love. I hope to install such a traditional tine in our family. So let's see what we can make with love and apples.

I'm a bit of a messy cook.

 

Today's breakfast is Puffy Apple Oven Pancake. A perfect dish served in a cast iron pan on a rainy fall morn.

Over medium heat, cook apples in butter until they turn golden.

Add the batter and place in the oven at 420 for 20 min.

The result is a lovely puffy pastry.

I think my guys liked the dish. 

This is a cookbook I often go to. It's filled with family friendly meal ideas and fun little stories.
If you enjoy reading cookbooks, this is a good one! 

Williams-Sonoma Family Meals: Creating Traditions in the Kitchen 

A Beautiful Begining

The beginning can set the tone of the entire day so take a moment to think about it. 

Choose one word, perhaps the first word that comes to mind, of how you want to feel, be or accomplish today. 

My word today is "creative".  I want to feel creative and be creative.

Realistically,  my day involves laundry and cleaning the house. But for breakfast I'm trying a new recipe... chive and cream cheese omelets for Flyboy & me. I also hope to get some blog posts done and work on Hawk's Honor.

But for now, I'll start my day and set the tone. I take a deep breath, enjoy the moment and say the word " Creative."

#MIchigan #Meditation

 Time spent in nature is an opportunity to rejuvenate the soul.

Try a moment of Michigan Meditation.

My state of Michigan is known for nature. I was blessed to have worked for the Department of Natural Resources for a time. Every day I walked the 81 acres of marshland I was charged with and started the day with peace, wonder and beauty.

Yesterday was the first day of bow hunting season and hunters took to the woods, including my flyboy. Like many hunters, he didn't see a deer but simply enjoyed being in nature. Curious squirrels teased him while he sat enjoying the sounds and smells of the woods. 

You don't have to be a hunter to enjoy Michigan Meditation, or even be in the state. Find a spot outdoors, on your porch, in a park; and take a moment to listen, look and smell. Feel the peace.