Posted in Breakfast

Sunday Brunch: Maple Sticky Buns

Maple Sticky Buns

20130501-215148.jpg

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 teaspoon yeast
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup oil
1 egg
4 cups flour

Prep Day: In a large bowl, combine water, yeast, sugar, and salt, along with oil and egg. Let sit five minutes. Stir in first cup and a half cup of flour with a heavy spoon. Add more flour a little at a time as needed, stirring until dough becomes too stiff to continue stirring easily. Add a little more flour and begin kneading. The amount of flour is approximate–your mileage may vary! Continue adding flour and kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let dough rise in a greased, covered bowl until doubled. (Usually, about an hour.) Uncover bowl; sprinkle in a little more flour and knead again. Roll out onto a floured surface into an approximately 15 x 8 rectangle and add filling.

Filling:
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Brush dough with melted butter.

Sprinkle with brown sugar and walnuts, taking care to get right up to the edges. Roll dough up and seal seams.

I like to put the rolled dough in the freezer for about an hour before slicing. It makes the dough easier/firmer to slice.

While the dough is chilling, prepare the maple sticky topping. How many rolls you get will depend on how you cut the slices. I cut them about an inch thick to get 15 rolls.

Maple Sticky Topping:
Heat and stir 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup in a small pan. Pour into baking pan.

Sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

Place slices in pan on top of walnuts and brown sugar/maple syrup mixture. Wrap and freeze.

Serve Day: Take the rolls out the night ahead to thaw and rise, they will be ready to bake when you wake up.)

Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for approximately 30 minutes. (How thick you cut your slices will vary your baking time, so keep an eye on ‘em!) Invert to serve.

These are delicious!

Posted in Breakfast, Side Dish

Side Dish ‘n’ Saturdays: Potatoes O’Brien

Potatoes O’Brien

20130501-212140.jpg

Serves 8

6 large russet (baking) potatoes
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Prep Day: Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Drain, then set aside until cool. Once cool, cut into 1/2-inch dice.

Combine the potatoes, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and onion in a mixing bowl. Drizzle in the vegetable oil, and gently stir until evenly coated. Spoon the mixture into resealable freezer bags. Store the mixture in the freezer.

Serve Day: To prepare, cook the frozen mixture in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.

Posted in Breakfast

Sunday Brunch: Homemade Hash Browns

Homemade Hash Browns

20130423-142151.jpg

Serves 12-15

6 medium potatoes
water, to cover
1 -2 tablespoon butter
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Prep Day: Peel potatoes if desired. Cut in half and place in large pot. Cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil and cook until potatoes are just tender (about 10 minutes). Drain.
Place potatoes in large bowl and cover with cold water. Place in fridge over night.
Drain potatoes. Shred with hand grater or food processor.

To Freeze: Spray freezer-safe container with cooking spray (I use a plastic ice cream tub). Place a layer waxed paper in the bottom and spray w/ cooking spray. Place a layer of potatoes in container (enough for 1 meal). Place another piece of waxed paper on top of potatoes and spray with cooking spray. Continue layering in this way until all potatoes are used. Freeze until ready to use.

Serve Day: Heat frying pan over medium-high heat. Add butter or margarine. Place shredded potatoes in pan. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes or until bottom is browned. Flip potatoes and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.