it was inevitable....my mother is a cook ( i would say chef ) and i've always loved what she served us and she has always taken great care in providing us with healthy & delicious meals. i was inspired to do the same for my family & i hope my daughters do the same for theirs. i feel bad when i hear about young ladies getting married & not knowing how to cook anything but boxed mac & cheese. actually, last week was the first time that i made baked ziti & i've been married almost 10 years. i know some people make it once a week (which is fine if that's what they want to keep doing, but for those who are looking for a change, I thought I'd give some inspiration). and so, i have started a food blog to help get some creative juices flowing.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

caramel monkey bread


this is from the frugal girl website, which she got from Taste of Home.

this is what i hope to make on valentines day for breakfast for my darling sweet valentines,

so long as i feel better.

Caramel Monkey Bread A printable version is available at Taste of Home

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast 1/4 cup water (110° to 115°) 1-1/4 cups warm milk (110° to 115°) 1/3 cup butter, melted 1/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 5 cups all-purpose flour

Caramel 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup butter, cubed 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Assembly 3/4 cup chopped pecans 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter, melted

In a large mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, sugar, eggs, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Place in bowl, cover, and let rise 45-60 minutes, or until doubled.

For caramel, in a small saucepan, bring the brown sugar, butter and cream to a boil. Cook and stir for 3 minutes. Pour half into a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan; sprinkle with half of the pecans.

Punch dough down; shape into 40 balls. In a bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Place melted butter in another bowl. Dip balls in butter, then roll in sugar mixture.

Place 20 balls in the tube pan; top with remaining caramel and pecans. Top with remaining balls. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, remove the bread from the fridge, loosen cover, and let stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

Placed a rimmed baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven, and then bake the bread in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. (Cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.) Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm.

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