Cinnamon Rolls

Every Christmas for years I have made cinnamon rolls for neighbors and friends. Each year, I think I will cut down the list, but when I get the plates to different homes and people say, "we've been waiting for these!!", it makes me happy and gives me the incentive to keep doing it.

So I won't ever lose the recipe, (ha!!) and in case some of you want it, here it is. It is very easy and very simple. I got the recipe years ago when Tim was teaching school and he was buying various cookbooks that students were selling for their church groups.

FANTASTIC SWEET ROLL DOUGH

4 cups lukewarm water

1 cup sugar

1 cup shortening

1 tablespoon salt

2 pkgs. dry yeast

9-10 cups unsifted flour

2/3 cup dry powdered instant milk OR use 2 cups water and 2 cups lukewarm milk for liquid

and omit powdered milk

1. Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water for ten minutes.

2. In large mixing bowl, place sugar, soft shortening, salt and remaining 3 cups warm water. Add 2/3 cup dry powdered milk. Stir. (If not using powdered milk, then use warm milk).

3. Stir dissolved yeast and add to other ingredients in bowl.

4. Add 5 to 6 cups flour and beat.

5. Gradually add more flour until mixture is workable with your hands. The less flour you use, the better the roll, so when through the dough is soft, but not sticky. Scrape dough off sides of bowl and work, adding additional flour if necessary, until it is smooth and soft.

6. Grease large bowl. Put dough in, turn over, and let double (about 1 1/2 hours)

7. Punch down. Divide into two portions. Roll out into oblongs, about 1/4 inch thick. Pour over this melted butter, or spread soft butter on it. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Smear around and make sure all the dough is covered. It is like wet sand! Make sure all the dough is covered.

8. Roll up for cinnamon rolls and cut. Dental floss is good to cut with since it won't smal down the rolls too much.

9. Place on greased pan and let raise until double.

10. Bake at 350-375 (depending on your oven) about 12 minutes, or until done.

11. Frost with powedered sugar frosting. I like to use real butter and real vanilla extract to make a rich tasting roll. I dump powdered sugar into a bowl,beat in a stick of butter, add milk and vanilla until it is the right consistency.

12. Enjoy them and leave some for Santa!