Snappy Cinnamon Rolls & No Sleep



February 2011 ( *slightly*  more snow!)

 This week my kids are off from school for "Mid-Winter Recess" despite the fact that we haven't really had a winter yet.  So, I'm doing my best motherly duties to make the week fun, engaging, as exciting as February can be when you're stuck at home for a week.  So, last night all four of the kids had a sleepover.  I know, I know...as a seasoned parent I should know better, but evidently I'm sub-consciously going for my instant sainthood award.  Unfortunately, after last night I can't remember my name to be bestowed with my award.  In fact, my children may all be grown up and moved out by now~it feels like at least a decade since I've had sleep.  Sleepovers are really a drift-in-and-out-of-consciousness-while-listening-to-squeals-and-excited-chatter-while-trying-to-make-sure-no one-escapes-or-does-something-forbidden-nights.  I guess someone decided it was too long of a name :)

But this morning,  as I had children pouncing on me and running throughout the house exclaiming they were starved, despite my sleep-deprived state, I decided I would whip up some of my favorite morning food EVER~Cinnamon Rolls.  Now, I have the recipe my great grandmother and I used to make, but I also have my go-to recipe that takes a fraction of the time and effort because, let's face it, I don't often have hours of time or energy to spare.  So, for my first post (finally)  I'm going to let everyone in on my secret recipe :)


Snappy Cinnamon Rolls
taken from Taste of Home

4 1/2c biscuit/baking mix
1 1/3c milk
2T softened butter
1/4c sugar
1tsp ground cinnamon
1/3c raisins (optional, but very yummy!)

1. Combine mix and milk.  Knead 8-10 times on floured surface (although I cheat & sprinkle some flour on top & knead right in my big bowl)
2.  Roll dough into 12 x 10 in. rectangle.  Spread with butter.
3.  Combine cinnamon, sugar, & raisins (if you are using them) & sprinkle over mixture.  (A cheat here is to use the 2c measuring cup from your milk to mix this up in~saves a bowl!)

4.  Roll up jelly roll style.  pinch seam to seal.  Cut into 12 slices & place cut side down on a greased baking sheet. (I also use 9in pie plates so you can frost them right in the baking dish)

5.  Bake @450 degrees for 10 min or until just starting to turn brown on top.  Don't over bake or they will be too dry!

Icing

2c confectioner's sugar

2T milk
2T melted butter

1tsp vanilla

Mix until smooth.  I frost mine when the rolls are still slightly warm, as the icing goes into every yummy crevice & saturates the roll.  Enjoy!!

OOOEY GOOEY YUMMINESS!!