New Beginnings

It's been quite some time since my last blog. A couple of major changes have taken place that just one year ago, I wouldn't have ever imagined would happen. The first, which I shared in a past post, was changing jobs after 15 years!!

 

The second, more shocking than that, was buying a new home thus leaving another 15 year 'relationship'. It really has been a lot to digest. The latter especially since we raised our family there. So many memories, so many conversations, so many great meals.

 

We didn't waste much time since moving in before having our large family over.

The Roberts minus a few of the grandkids

 

 There always seems to be an abundance of great food.

 

 

We are all sentimental about our old house, but have realized that with our growing family, we were justified in finding a larger home to accommodate us more comfortably.

 

Fear of change isn't healthy either if its not balanced. Never say never in anything. The two new beginnings that I've experienced have been great for me.  New memories have already been made. I look forward to many, many more. Here are a few more photos I wanted to share of a few of our family gatherings. I'll be blogging new recipes very shortly now that I'm settled in!!

 

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

My granddaughter , Jaylin, inspired me to make her favorite bread this weekend while she was visiting. I never made it before, so when she asked, I was a little nervous. However, because I desire to be the best grandmother ever, I will do whatever it takes to achieve that title!  This is a simple recipe that I truly enjoyed making! It's economical as well.

            The ingredients are :  1/2 c. Sugar
                                              1/2 c. Butter
                                              2 1/2 tbsp. Dry yeast
                                              1 c. WARM water
                                              1 1/2 c. WARM milk
                                              3 Eggs
                                              1 c. Raisins
                                              8 c. Flour
                                              1 tsp. Salt

                                              FILLING:
                                              1 c. Sugar
                                              3 Tbsp. Cinnamon


Start by activating the yeast in the water. Remember, it always needs to be 8WARM water or the yeast will not properly activate.

                  It needs a few minutes to get frothy, during that time, mix the butter, sugar, salt, and eggs.
Warm the milk in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes until its lukewarm.

Next, add the raisins and the warm milk to the egg mixture. Transfer to a larger bowl or mixer.

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is thick and dense. Take out of the bowl and knead by hand for several minutes. Form into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with a warm damp cloth for 1 1/2 hours.

The dough should at least double in size. Remove from the bowl and place onto a lightly floured surface. I love parchment paper for a number of reasons. For this, it makes clean up easy! Roll into the shape of a rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick.

Take 2 Tbsp. Of milk and moisten the dough. Then, mix 1 c. of sugar and 3 Tbsp. of  cinnamon together. Spread evenly over the entire surface of the dough.

Now begin to tightly roll the dough the wide way.  Cut three ways and place into 9x5 bread pans.

 

 

Seal the edges and tuck them under on the ends. Place into a preheated 350 degree oven for 35-45 minutes. Finish by melting 2  tbsp. of butter  over the top of each loaf when you remove them from the oven.

If you weren't the favorite grandmother before, you are certain to be now. Please don't say you don't want to be because , deep down,  we all do!!

                                      What a great snack to come home to on a cold winter day!!!