Let’s BAKE it Happen
Kiersten Garbutt
This Christmas will surely match how the rest of the year has gone. We will all struggle as local stores shut down or are only allowed to sell essentials. If you are unable to order online, then this article is the one for you! This Christmas, instead of gift-giving items, give some baked goods as an alternative! Here are some easy-peasy recipes that anyone can make!
Cinnamon buns have always been a family favourite and really, who would pass on such a delicious treat! You are going to need 2 eggs, 1 package of active dry yeast, 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, ¼ cup of white sugar plus 1tsp set aside, 1 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup water. Step 1, mix water, 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast and let that mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. While you wait, warm the milk in a pot until it starts to boil, then take off heat and add the rest of the white sugar and ¼ of butter. Step 2 get a larger bowl and mix the yeast mixture, the milk mixture, and the eggs. While mixing, gradually add all the flour. Then knead for approximately 8 minutes. Step 3 is to oil a bowl and let the dough sit for an hour with a damp cloth covering the bowl. Step 4 while the dough is rising, melt the leftover butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar together. Step 5 is to cover the bottom of your baking pan with the brown sugar mixture, make sure to save at least half of the mixture! Step 6 once your dough is finished rising, roll the dough out in a rectangle and then brush the brown sugar onto the dough. Step 7 tightly roll the dough and then cut into approximately 15 pieces, then place into the pan. Cover again and let rise for another hour. Finally, place them in the oven at 375 degrees and cook for 25-30 minutes. (recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21461/ooey-gooey-cinnamonbuns/?utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=allrecipes_allrecipes_11686958&utm_content=easter_verticalimage&utm_term=easter_202002)
Another recipe is a Christmas classic: sugar cookies! For this recipe you will need 3 sticks of unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp almond extract, 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 tsp baking powder. First step is mix butter and sugar, then add all wet ingredients and mix, lastly add all the dry ingredients. Once all mixed roll dough into a ball and wrap in saran wrap or place in a bowl and freeze for 30 minutes. Next, roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters of your choice! Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees! Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before decorating! (Recipe: https://www.handletheheat.com/easy-cut-out-sugar-cookies-with-icing/)
Hope these recipes help you with the gift giving season! Stay warm and stay home!