Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls...

Image from Cooking Lite/Recipe from Taste of Home

I have totally been in the baking mood.  Something about emotions and holiday time. 

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
4 eggs
1 cup shortening
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
1/3 cup instant butterscotch pudding mix
1 teaspoon salt
7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
 

Icing:

3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla Extract

Directions:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, shortening, pumpkin, milk, sugars, pudding mixes, salt and 6 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down; divide in half. Roll each portion into a 12-in. x 8-in. rectangle; brush with butter. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough to within 1/2 in. of edges.

Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal. Cut each into 12 slices.


We cut our cinnamon rolls using a piece of thread, a technique passed down from my Grandma's family. It cuts cleanly and easily. Just slide the thread under the rolled dough and then cross-over at the top and pull all the way down through the dough pinching off each cinnamon roll.

Place cut side down in two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 350° for 22-28 minutes or until golden brown. In a small bowl, combine the water, butter and cinnamon. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Spread over buns. Serve warm. Yield: 2 dozen.

Found this post at here at one of my favorite Blogs THE IDEA ROOM

Dear Mom...

I am missing you today.  The holidays are getting closer and the realization that you aren't going to be there is really setting in.  I am so glad that lots of us will be there together.  It already has been different.  We have been trying to coordinate who is bringing what on our own.  You used to tell us what to bring and fill in all the blanks.  It will be fine, but just not the same.  I think us girls tend to feel like we need to fill in your blank, so hopefully that will work out with out having to many "mom's". You did good in that department, and we tend to all get along.  It will be a bit strange going back home for the first time for a visit, other than your funeral, with out you there.  To see your stuff gone, and your walker put away, and to go in your bedroom and it seem so empty.  Before we left last month, I remember seeing Dad sleeping on your side of the bed.  It was strange to see him there.  Maybe it helps not seeing your empty spot if he is laying in it.  I wonder how Dad is holding up.  I talk to him on the phone, and he says he is fine, but I can't see his eyes, so I am not sure.  I would guess he is looking forward to us coming for the holidays.  It will add some noise to his day.  Kell says she will go there, and he will have the radio just cranked so super loud.  He must be trying to kill the silence=).  Work has slowed way down, so now I get to spend more time at home with the kids.  They really need it, well, I like to think they need their mom, and I need them.  Plus, it is giving Brad and I some time together.  We weren't seeing each other much their for while.  And as you probably know, we have some financial issues to work through.  I know everyone has financial issues, money isn't everything.  I have my days where I ask "Why?".  It doesn't seem fair, but for the most part, I am so thankful for my family, and our health, that we can get through the silly money stuff as long as we have each other.  Luckily I have an AMAZING Dad, who I can count on, and brothers and sisters that I can call.  Mom, thank you.  I don't know how you did it, but if I didn't have a family that put everything aside for family, I would be lost.  I love you, and know you are watching over us.  Have a great day.
Love ya tons