Monday, September 22, 2008

It's getting cool enough to bake! YAY!

Today is officially the first day of Fall; that means apples, pumpkins, and baking..oh, my!

The 8 year old has taken a rabid interest in cooking and baking...so, last week we made this; it turned out beautifully. I had intended for her to show her masterpiece off at a family get-together, but that was not to be. Her creation wasn't out of the oven 10 minutes and she was pouring milk and cutting herself a piece. lol It is quick, easy, delicious...and best of all, it made her feel like a pastry chef :) I present to you...

BOO BOO'S AMAZING MONKEY BREAD!

GENEROUSLY GREASED 10 INCH FLUTED TUBE/BUNDT PAN

1/2-1 CUP CHOPPED PECANS OR WALNUTS
3/4 CUP SUGAR
4 TSP. OF CINNAMON
2 11 OZ PKGS. ( 12 EACH ) REFRIDGERATED BREADSTICKS
1/3 CUP BUTTER, melted
1/2 CUP CARAMEL ICE CREAM TOPPING
2 TBS. MAPLE SYRUP

Sprinkle 1/2 half the chopped nuts into the bottom of prepared pan, set aside. In a small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

Separate each pkg. of breadstick dough on the perforated lines into 6 spiral pieces, making 12 pieces total. DO NOT UNROLL!!! Cut pieces in half crosswise. Dip each piece of dough into melted butter, roll in cinn/sugar mixture to coat. Arrange pieces in prepared pan.

Sprinkle with remaining nuts. In a measuring cup stir together caramel topping and maple syrup, then drizzle over dough pieces in pan.

Bale in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until dough is light brown, covering with foil the last 10 minutes to prevent over browning.

Cook's note:

LET STAND ONE (1) MINUTE ONLY!!!
If left to stand any longer, it will be difficult to remove from pan. Invert onto a serving platter. Spoon any remaining topping in the pan on to the rolls.
Enjoy :)

We have tinkered with this a bit since making the initial bread. Last time we layered half the bread, sprinkled nuts and mini chocolate chips, then finished per recipe.
Next time we are going to use butterscotch chips or a combo of cinnamon and mini chocolate chips. Yum!