It was extremely cold here in west-central Minnesota last night and throughout today. I decided to stay home from church, because I just didn't think it was worth venturing out that early in the morning. Maybe there was a little selfishness in my decision too. Appreciated the extra hour in bed. I did catch the Catholic mass later on TV, and although I'm not well-versed in it, I appreciated the sermon (homily?) and the music from a small choir in the St Cloud area. It made my day feel a little fuller, as I usually feel I'm missing something in the week when I don't attend.
Along with my bottomless cup of coffee throughout a cold day, I wanted to make something good to go along with it. I decided on cinnamon rolls. I'm out of raisins, so tried a mixture of dried apricots from the freezer and cherries. I mixed in a little bit of ground cloves with the cinnamon, and I think it was a good result.
It was so chilly in the house this morning, so both raises were very slow.
For the glaze, I used powdered sugar, juice from the cherries, and a bit of vanilla. It was worth the wait, and will be good heated up again tomorrow morning.
Yesterday, one of my friends who visit often, stopped by and had a good snack of Scotch pine. I didn't have the heart to shoo him away (I'm pretty sure this is a male by the wider shape of the head), and I need to trim this tree up anyway soon. I get whacked in the face every time I try mowing past this tree. At least he hasn't touched the bark.
A few of the geraniums I overwinter in the house are budding and blooming. This is my favorite red one. It is a true red, not orange-red or burgundy, although I like them all.
This blue jay was a part of the entertainment this afternoon as he pecked out the raisins and citron out of a stale chunk of the Christmas cake. The squirrels will have the rest.
Have a good week, and stay warm.
Phil
Stay warm! It started snowing here this afternoon and I hear we will have record cold Tues-Thursday. Baking at least makes the house seem warmer and smell good too! Your rolls look really good! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll bet it is a little cooler than Hawaii?
DeleteI would rather stay inside when it is really cold, my bones don't like the cold. Lovely to see the wonderful wildlife you have visiting, I love all animals and birds. Your cinnamon rolls look lovely, I have never made them only bought them but I really think I shall be having a go at making some at some point.
ReplyDeleteI only started making them last year and they are very easy to make. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteHello Phil, I am no long blogging under Living Simply - Living Well, just thought I would let you know, you should be able to find my new blog from this comment, thanks Marlene.
DeleteHaven't specifically checked this morning but I'm wondering if you got the storm over night. We didn't get a flake of the 3-6" forecast for here.
ReplyDeleteNever thought of putting dried apricots in rolls as you did. Sounds good to me, though!
Lovely pictures, as usual.
I would guess we only got about 1-2 inches. It is mostly drifting, so was lucky. I still have my fingers crossed that Tuesday's temps might moderate a little or at least the wind-chills.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness those rolls look delicious, such a shame you live so far away I would have been right round to join you.
ReplyDeleteIf ever in the neighborhood, you will have to stop by for coffee!
DeleteThose rolls look yummy! It's the time of year when something tasty with a hot cup of coffee is ideal. We don't have your snow, but it's been awfully cold. And the wind! Is it too early to say I'm ready for spring?
ReplyDeleteI've also had spring on my mind these last few days!
DeleteSuch pretty photos of the deer, geranium, and blue Jay! Those cinnamon rolls look so yummy! Hope it warms up for you soon! Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting some spring fever, and have been planning the garden, but it just snowed again and looks like a colder day tomorrow. But will still keep thinking of spring! Thanks for the visit.
DeleteJust stopped by to say hello. Hope all is well and that spring weather is soon coming your way!
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never! I found this post while looking through what I missed while slowly returning to blogland.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I found it as it is a treat! As are those rolls. Call ahead next time you bake those please. Love a cook who isn’t afraid to mix things up a bit. That is the beauty of keeping chickens as they are always happy to oblige when things don’t come out well. But I bet those were yummy!
Glad to hear from you. You had a rough time, and maybe the spring will be a little smoother sailing!
DeleteJust dropped back by here to say hello. Thank you for always stopping by my blog to leave a nice comment! Hope this finds all well with you!
ReplyDeleteVery nice of you. All ok, just so busy, I've been bad about posting. I always like your posts and comments. Thanks!
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