Election Day! Which Candidate are you Voting For? Frosted or Glazed!

Today, in the United States, it is Election Day; a day when we cast our vote to see which politicians will run our country. We hope they will run it wisely and in the best interest of the American people, not for their own egos or gain.

As Americans, it is our RIGHT to vote, to give our opinions freely. If one does not vote out of laziness or non caring, that person gives up any right they have to complain about the politicians. In other words, if one wants to be heard, then do it especially when it counts the most, at Election time.

So, in the spirit of the American freedom of voting, I ask you now which do you cast your vote for, Frosted or Glazed?

Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

Dough:

2 packages active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105-115F)
2/3 cup sugar plus 1 tsp
1 cup warm milk
2/3 cup butter, softened
2 tsp salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
7 cups flour

Filling:

1 cup melted butter, divided in half
2 cups brown sugar, divided in half
3 ½ Tbsp cinnamon

Glaze:

2/3 cup melted butter
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
6 Tbsp hot water

Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
3 tsp vanilla
6 cups confectioner's sugar
2 Tbsp warm milk
 
Preparation:

For the Dough:

In a small bowl, mix together yeast, warm water and one teaspoon sugar; set aside. Yeast will be ready when bubbles begin forming.

In a large bowl, beat together thoroughly 2/3 cup sugar, milk, butter, salt and eggs; mix yeast mixture. Add 4 cups of flour, beat until smooth; add in remaining flour one cup at a time, until dough is slightly stiff, but still sticky. Turn out onto a well-floured board; knead 5-10 minutes. Place in well-buttered glass or plastic bowl, cover with a clean linen towel and let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. When doubled, punch down dough and let rest 5 minutes; roll out on floured board into a 15x20" rectangle.

For the Filling:

Spread dough with 1/2 cup melted butter. Mix together 1-1/2 cups brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over buttered dough. Roll up jellyroll style, pinching edge together to seal. Cut into 16 slices. Brush bottom and sides of a 13x9 inch baking pan and a 9 inch square pan with remaining melted butter; sprinkle with remaining brown sugar. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in pans. Let rise in warm place until dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350F; 25-30 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown. Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing or frosting.

For the Glaze:

In medium bowl, mix melted butter, powdered sugar and vanilla; add hot water one tablespoon at a time until glaze reaches desired thickness.  Add more water if necessary.

For the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat together all ingredients on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Makes 16 rolls.

Mary Cokenour