Time off for family...

My nephew has been home for the past month, he leaves back to his base tomorrow. We've spent all of our time as a family - aside from the time he's been putting in at the recruiters office. He's not home "on leave" until the Christmas Holidays. Though, it was nice to grab the extra holiday with everyone home for Thanksgiving.
From now until Christmas Eve (seriously though...) I will be sewing and crocheting to my hearts content - and beyond no doubt - trying to get a little something made for everyone.
I have arthritis in my spine, neck, and shoulders - so I've got to get going while the going is good, and it always seems to get me in the end. I'm learning to find a balance between it all. Some days, it's a slower process than I'd care to admit. Still - I am determined.
Today, I am sewing. Hooded robes for all with the Simplicity pattern E2133. I'm working with my new sewing machine that Hubby bought me for our 10 year anniversary - so far, I love it. I won't be posting pictures of all that I make until after the gift giving is done. We share a computer, and it would be too easy for the kids to see who's getting what/which for a gift. Yes, they would really do that...Brats, each and every one. Caution must be practiced when creating for the little monsters we have created ;)

Monday Menu Mmmm

Crappy Cell phone picture - sorry.

Simple meals (like soup made from leftovers) are made a little more special with home made biscuits. This biscuit recipe is my favorite because it's both quick and tasty - they're even still good the next day, if there are any left.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dinner Rolls

2 c. all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 c. milk
4 tablespoons mayonnaise**

These are made in a muffin tin, the recipe makes 12. Grease the muffin tin. Spoon dough into tin - the dough is stiff and sticky, so it may be difficult to be exact. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until nicely browned, and serve hot.

** If you have mayonnaise seasoned with herbs or pepper, do try it out. Our favorite is to use the cracked pepper one made by Kraft. Of course, you can also add seasonings to your preference to compliment the meal they are to be served with.

Sunday's Something Simple

The something simple for today was home made cinnamon buns. While it took some time, it was actually quite simple.

Dough -
1c. full fat milk at room temperature
1/4 c. warm water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs, beaten at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter at room temperature
3/4 c. white granulated sugar
5 c. all purpose flour
                                                                                    3 teaspoons yeast

Filling                                                                            Icing
1 c. brown sugar                                                          powdered sugar
5 tsp. cinnamon                                                            1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. butter, softened                                                  1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
                                                                                     4 teaspoons milk (add more to thin if needed)

Dough-
Mix butter and sugar, add water and milk while slowly adding flour. Add yeast, egg and vanilla while slowly adding remainder of flour. Mix to form ball of dough.
Knead dough for 8 minutes on floured surface. Cover and allow to sit for 20 minutes.
Roll into rectangular shape on floured surface.
Filling -  Spread butter evenly onto dough rectangle. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, spread evenly over dough. Roll, slice into portions. Place on greased baking sheet, cover and let sit for 1 1/2 hour.

Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees F. for 20 -30 minutes until slightly browned.

Icing-
cream butter, vanilla extract and milk together, slowly adding powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved.