First course today, home made Cinnamon Rolls:


* 1-1/2 packages (about 3-1/4 teaspoons) dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1-1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 1 egg
* 4 to 5 cups sifted flour
* 1 stick melted butter
* 1/2-3/4 cup (packed) brown sugar (to sweet tooth)
* 2-3 tbs cinnamon (to taste)
* raisins/craysins (about one every 2-inch square) (optional)
* crushed nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans are best)

* Vanilla Frosting
* 1-2 cups powdered sugar (depends on your sweet tooth)
* 1-2 tablespoon butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 tbs milk or cream
* 6oz soft cream cheese

PREPARATION:
Scald milk; pour over the shortening. Add sugar and salt and cool to tepid.

Mix warm water to the yeast and soak 10 minutes.

Add the dissolved yeast and beaten egg to mixture.
Add 4 cups flour adding one at a time beating after each addition.

Dough should be soft yet firm enough to handle.

Knead on floured board until elastic and smooth. Avoid too much flour.
Turn dough into well oiled bowl. Let rise for 1-1/2 hours.

Press dough down and divide into workable size.
Roll dough out into a rectangle.
Mix melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon
Layer/pour on top of rectangle the mixture of butter
(being careful not to use hot butter, it will kill the yeast), brn sugar and cinnamon.
layer on raisins/craysins. Sprinkle nuts as desired.
Roll up jelly-roll fashion.

Using a scissors or a piece of string, cut off slices about 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick.
Place slices in an 8 or 9 inch round greased cake pan.
Place one slice in the middle and other slices around it.
Press rolls down to even out and fill pan.
Let rise until rolls fill the pan generously...about another hour.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 15 - 20 minutes.
If rolls start get "too brown" before time,
cover with a piece of fine foil until the end of baking.
Do not over bake rolls.

Remove immediately from pan by inverting onto a plate
and then tip over onto another plate to right the rolls.

-For the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, mix sugar, melted butter and vanilla.
Then stir in enough milk/cream and cream cheese to reach a thick consistency.
add more nuts.

Spread over warm rolls as soon as they are placed on a plate to let the frosting melt
and run into the rolls.

Makes 12-14 large rolls enjoy!