No Fail Cinnamon Rolls

I don't claim to be a bread maker. I haven't had that much success whenever I make bread. Although I keep trying. But every time I make these, they always turn out. They take a little time rising, but are well worth the end result!! (I usually half this recipe and it makes 16-18 big rolls)



1 qt. water
1/4-2 Tbsp. dry milk (I do 1 Tbsp. for a half recipe)
1/4 C. shortening
4 eggs
2 1/2 Tbsp. dry yeast
1 Tbsp. Salt
1/2 C. sugar
12-13 C. flour
1/2 C. margarine
2 tsp. vanilla

Mix all together and beat for 10 minutes or kneed by hand for 10 minutes. Let rise until doubled in size. Flour surface and roll dough out into a rectangle. When rolled out, pour melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on top. (raisins optional). Roll up long ways and cut to desired size. place on greased pan and allow to raise again (45 minutes - 1 hour). Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes. Frost as desired when cooled.

I usually do a cream cheese frosting when cooled.

Banana Snack Cake

The other day I had ripe bananas on my counter and started looking through recipe books trying to find something other than banana bread to make with my ripe bananas. I found this recipe in the Taste Of Home Best Church Supper Recipes Book and it was a winner

1/2 C. shortening
3/4 C. packed brown sugar
1/2 C. sugar
2 eggs
1 C. mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. all-purpose or Whole wheat flour (I did half and half)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C. buttermilk
1/2 Chopped nuts (if desired)

Frosting: 1/2 C. packed brown sugar, 1/4 C. butter, 6 tbsp. milk, 2 1/2-3 C. powdered sugar.

Cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, beating well
after each addition. Beat in bananas and vanilla. Combine dry ingedients and add alternately with the buttermilk. Stir in nuts. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

For the frosting combine brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil over med. heat and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until frosting reaches spreading comsistency. Frost the cake.

Meat Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp salad oil
1/4 tsp tabasco
1 clove minced garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper

This marinade is good on almost anything. I prefer to use it on either beef or chicken. I also recommend the minced garlic over the powder, but either will work. It is best if you marinade the night before and let it sit.

Caramel Popcorn

2 cups Brown Sugar
1 cup Karo Corn Syrup
1/2 cup Butter
-Bring these items to a boil and take off heat then add...
1 tsp Vanilla
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
-Return to heat and boil for 2 minutes.

This recipe is so easy and it makes a really good caramel for popcorn. You can also add cashews for a different twist. Enjoy!