In The Kitchen

As a young child, my grandmother Neine was a huge influence on me - not only did she get me interested in needlework...she taught me the joys of cooking/baking, the value of a clean/organized home, and the importance of sending handwritten correspondence. Often when I am in the kitchen, I think of my time in the kitchen with Neine when I was growing up - although we lived many miles apart and my time with her was limited, I still have the most vivid memories. This morning as the delicious aroma of Sticky Buns filled our home, I couldn't help but think of my time with my grandmother and our time together in her kitchen.

Today I thought I would share another favorite recipe with you...and although it is labor intensive, it is worth every minute...

Sticky Buns

First, make your favorite sweet dough recipe - I like to use the "60-minute Sweet Dough" recipe from the old Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book. (If you don't have a favorite sweet dough recipe or a "go to" cookbook, do a Google search for Sweet Dough Recipe, you will get many to choose from!)

Sweet Dough
1 tablespoon softened (not melted butter)

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Roll out prepared sweet dough on floured surface to approximately 12" x 7" (you may have more/less dough depending on your recipe and may have to slightly adjust the measurements), then spread with 1 tablespoon of soft butter. Next, sprinkle the dough with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll up lengthwise and cut into twelve slices each approximately 1" thick. At this step, you could bake and have wonderful cinnamon rolls, but I continue on and make sticky buns.

1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 brown sugar

1/4 pecans pieces

Mix the three above ingredients and then pour into the bottom of a greased pan - you may use your favorite baking dish, but I like to use 9" round pans. Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the pan; place the the dough rolls on top leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. Bake in a 375 degree oven until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes). When baked, turn your baking pan upside down onto a serving plate. Serve with your favorite coffee or tea.