Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting

Always read a recipe all the way through before cooking! This is the lesson for today! Unfortunately, the printer cut off the bottom of my recipe. I did think... gosh, this is a LOT of dough, but my own rolls make a lot of dough, also... Well, I finally went and looked at Pioneer Woman's page and found out it makes SEVEN pans full! SEVEN round cake pans full of delicious cinnamon rolls with Maple frosting! Too late to turn back now...

They made the house smell wonderful! I am now giving them away... Here is a link in case you want to try "gaggle" of cinnamon rolls (47 to be exact, my son counted them!)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/

They all assure me mine are better, but I would love to taste for myself! I printed this recipe off before Christmas thinking I would try them this year for Christmas Breakfast. Well... the kids vetoed that idea right away, requesting the traditional Angel Cinnamon Rolls I always make each year. I found the recipe today and thought it would be a great day for making them. My son, who is a senior this year, was home on a snowday. I knew he could take care of quite a few of them! :) I, however, am on my annual "first of the year" diet. I can't even TASTE one! :( I am not one to dilly-dally with a diet and would like this misery to be over right away! lol 20# gone and another 13# or so to go.. then I will want one of these rolls... but hopefully by then they will be gone..??

Home Made Doggie Treats

With Christmas coming right up here is a great recipe for cute little (or big) doggie treats:

1 1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup veg. oil
2 gloves minced garlic (no, a LITTLE garlic is actually NOT bad for dogs, but actually very healthy)... google it! :)
1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup dry nonfat milk

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix and knead until holds together. Roll out (I use a non stick mat) but you can also use a lightly floured surface. When rolled to about 1/4 inch, cut out with cute doggie shaped cookie cutters (think hydrants, bones, paw prints, etc). Bake at 300 degrees for 24-26 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. These can be placed in cellophane bags, tied with ribbons, or into cute little boxes to be presented to your special little doggie (or BIG doggie). Baby is actually a B-I-G white boxer, weighing about 90#! (A guess..) Be prepared to be kissed, uumm, licked! Or in the case of my snooty toy poodle, snubbed! :(

Wonderful Fall Food

I recently came across a low carb pumpkin pancake recipe on one of my friend's blogs (Donna). I was wanting something different for breakfast since I eat LC and need a change once in a while. They were fantastic! I made a few changes (like adding baking powder) so here is my version:

Pumpkin Pancakes

Great with SF caramel sauce, a little syrup & whipped cream! :)

2 T tablespoons pureed pumpkin
¼ c. Egg Beaters, or 1 egg
1.5 tablespoon cream cheese
3 packets Splenda (I now use Turvia or Stevia... I just used 1/2 pkg Truvia
cinnamon (to taste)
nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice (to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup egg whites
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
¾ teaspoon baking powder

I have no photos, since I ate mine right away, but my daughter, Julie, came in as we were eating and she took a few so maybe we will get those posted soon. I had a large box of Jimmy Dean Turkey sausage from Costco (great BTW) and we had those with the pancakes and it made a great fall breakfast! With the protein powder it will keep you full for a LONG time! :) Enjoy! I had to have them for breakfast after writing this so here is the photos!

Praises of Low Carb

Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake

For some years (since 2003) I have eaten low carb, non-processed, sugar-free, food. I stayed away from the "white" stuff and lost weight. Well... about 3 months ago I decided I could save money buy eating cheaper foods. BIG mistake! Some people just can't eat carby things and feel good or keep the weight off! I am back to eating low carb and losing more than a little weight I gained. I enjoy the recipes I have collected over the years. I LOVE eating this way and wonder why I was persuaded to go off after so many years. My cholesterol and other blood tests always improve when I eat LC. I have more energy, get more done and love the food..?!? I like the decreased appetite and having control over my food instead of the other way around. I joined an ABC (Autumn Boot Camp) this month which involves eating right and exercising regularly. Why did I quit THAT (exercising) also? Well, I know the answer to that. I had torn medial meniscus in both knees (running for years!) and needed two surgeries to repair them. I am back-on-track and feeling great! Now, if Julie will just NOT bring me any more of those delicious things she bakes! :)