Food for Thoughts

You read the manual, you practiced with sample questions,  played with online tests. What is the last condition for a successful citizenship test? That’s right: a proper breakfast. Do not attempt to leave for your citizenship exam without having one. It must be nutritive and healthy. Try to write your test on an empty stomach, and you’ll probably fail!

Cinnamon Rolls

There’s nothing better than waking up to fresh-baked cinnamon rolls. Follow these steps for easy assembly, and watch the rolls disappear as quickly as they come out of the oven!

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon active dry yeast, 1 cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 6 cups all-purpose flour,2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 cups dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, softened, 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened, 1 tablespoon butter, softened, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in the butter; stir until melted. Add water and let cool until lukewarm.

In a large bowl, combine the milk mixture, yeast, white sugar, salt, eggs and 2 cups flour; stir well to combine. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

Divide dough into two pieces. Roll each piece into a 12×9 inch rectangle. In a bowl, stir together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Spread each piece with half of the butter, half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough, using a little water to seal the seam.

Cut each roll into 12 slices using a very sharp knife or dental floss. Place rolls onto two 9×13 inch greased baking pans. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

To make frosting; combine confectioner’s sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Add milk gradually until frosting reaches a spreading consistency. Spread over warm (but not hot) cinnamon rolls.