Cinnamon Orange Monkey Bread

We had 16 for breakfast today, yes it seems like a lot but it is only half of our family! I love to have an excuse to make food that is impractical for empty-nesters. Today was the day to make Cinnamon Orange Monkey Bread. It feeds a crowd and is delicious. This recipe has been around for years. It came from Pampered Chef--probably with their Stoneware Bundt Pan. I purchased it years ago, it was the beginning of my Bundt Pan addiction. I have decided that one can never have enough Bundt Pans!

Cinnamon Orange Monkey Bread
1 orange
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or Pampered Chef Cinnamon Plus
5 tablespoons melted butter
18 frozen bread dough rolls, thawed
1/3 cup pancake syrup
Spray a Bundt Pan (or 2 loaf pans) with Pam. Zest orange. Combine zest and sugar, rub between your fingers until mixed--it will smell amazing. Add cinnamon. Cut each thawed roll in half using a sharp knife of kitchen shears. Dip each half in melted butter and roll in sugar mixture. Arrange half of the rolls in pan, drizzle with half of the syrup, repeat. Sprinkle with any remaining sugar. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until about double in size. My oven has a 'dough proofing' setting, it works.
Bake at 350 for about 30-35 minutes, until top is golden brown. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert on a serving platter. Serve warm.
Printable Recipe

These two don't eat much--yet!

Fresh Strawberry Syrup

Just wanted to share this Fresh Strawberry Syrup recipe while beautiful berries are abundant (at least in Costco)! It is simple and delicious, turns whole grain pancakes into fine dining.

Fresh Strawberry Syrup
1 cup finely chopped strawberries--I used my Pampered Chef Chopper, perfect for this job
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons corn starch
1/8 teaspoon Pampered Chef Cinnamon Plus--this seasoning includes orange peel, nutmeg, allspice, ginger and cloves. It is so good, but plain cinnamon will work.
Mix sugar, corn starch and seasoning in a sauce pan. Add berries and stir over medium high heat till mixture boils. Simmer for a minute. It will thicken as it cools. Enjoy on pancakes, waffles, french toast etc. Delish! Recipe came from Sisters Cafe.

Multi Grain Pancakes and Coconut Syrup

This recipe comes from Grandma Gilbert my daughters Mother in Law. She is one awesome lady. She is happy and hard working, one very gracious lady.
Multi Grain Pancakes are really whole grain, but don't let that scare you. These are delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For a snack just pop one in the toaster. I think they are one of Eliza Jane's favorite foods.

Multi Grain Pancakes
6 cups whole grains--I used 1 cup each of whole wheat flour, oatmeal, barley, rye, spelt and cornmeal
1/2 cup ground flax
1/2 cup coconut
Mix together and store in freezer.

1 1/2 cups whole grain mix
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Mix together, set aside.
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup oil
1 cup buttermilk
Stir wet ingredients and add to dry ingredients. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes. If mixture is too thick add additional buttermilk or water.  Cook small pancakes on a hot griddle. These may take longer to cook than traditional pancakes. Serve with Coconut Syrup.

Buttermilk Waffles and Coconut Syrup

Rainy Saturdays are great for brunch. I'm always on the lookout for new recipes for waffles, pancakes, french toast etc. I love breakfast food but not in the early morning! So I often cook breakfast for dinner; a few favorites include omelets, breakfast burritos, quiche and any kind of muffin or coffee cake.

I think after a little blog surfing I have found a few new favorites. The Buttermilk Waffles come from My Kitchen Cafe and the delicious Coconut Syrup comes from The Sisters Cafe. These are great blogs, check them out. In the meantime try these delicious favorites.

Classic Buttermilk Waffles

(From King Arthur Flour Baking Companion)

Beat together:

2 eggs

1 3/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons vanilla

Whisk:

1 3/4 cup flour

2 Tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

Combine wet and dry ingredients just till smooth.


Coconut Buttermilk Syrup

3/4 cup buttermilk

7 Tablespoons butter

1 cup sugar

Cook until sugar is dissolved and boil 1 minute, stir in:

1 teaspoon coconut flavoring

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Delicious on waffles, pancakes, french toast or just by the spoonful!!