I think I did it!

After I started this blog I had tried something new for me.  I made cinnamon rolls completely from scratch. (If you want to check out the old post here it is  http://sweettreatsandmore-colleen.blogspot.com/2010/09/tried-something-new.html ) In my opinion I did not think I was very successful.  Overall, the rolls were good, but I knew they could be better.  I know I am my on worst critic, but even hubby agreed then weren't my best.  I had pretty much figured out what was wrong.... it was the yeast.  Those little suckers just didn't produce the gas they were suppose to.

I did try again not to long ago with not much better results.  They still tasted great but could have been a lot better.  This time instead of being chewy they were much more dense and heavy.  Cinnamon rolls are not suppose to be heavy.  Again, the culprit was the yeast.  I was starting to think this little ingredient was doing it on purpose just to drive me crazy. (Yes, I do believe that inanimate objects do things to annoy me)  I was about to give up trying until.....

Last week co-worker and I were talking about my baking.  She kept bugging me to make cinnamon rolls for her.  I was very hesitant because of my first two failed attempts, but after about a week I thought, "What the heck I need to try again."  So, I did.  Here is the result....

I think MUCH better this time!

YAY!  SUCCESS!!  I beat those little suckers!  The battle was long and hard, but in the end I won!  (Ok, I know a little over the top, but I am happy)  Actually, in the end I just used a completely different recipe then the first two.  Everyone that had one today said they were great.  I guess I can add another the the win column.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

A few good things happened

I had few things happen today that I think could lead to some things.

First, I stopped by my HOA office to find out about the cakewalk they were having at our Halloween festival in two weeks.  I will be truthful I had never heard one before today.  After I heard what it was and someone would be getting one of my cakes, I said, "Sign me up."  I have already decided what I am making.  I will be making two cakes.  Right away I knew I should make my Cinnamon Apple Angel Food Cake and it didn't take me that long to decided on the second one.  I was thinking to go a little Halloweenish (if that is a word), so  I decided on a Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting.  I know this will drive a good friend on mine crazy knowing that he can't have any, but oh well he will just have to deal it.

Second, while I was talking with the woman at the HOA about the cakewalk, I mentioned how I was trying to start my own business.  She said that was great and asked if knew about the craft type show they were having in December.  I didn't.  She then told me about it.  I could have a booth for $15 or $20 depending on the size I wanted and I could sell anything I wanted.  I thought to my OMG, I could sell so many things.  So, this is something I will need to keep in mind.  And who knows, I could end up with many on the spot returning customers with Christmas only being 3 weeks later.

Lastly, I will have my ad run in my HOA monthly newsletter next month.  This I am hoping will generate some business very soon, since it will come out in time for Thanksgiving.

Please keep your fingers crossed!

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

Tried Something New

I went out of my baking comfort zone with my last experiment.  I made cinnamon rolls completely from scratch.  It was actually a two process.  I had to make the dough and let it rise until it was double in size.  After that I formed the rolls themselves.  They were then set in the refrigerator overnight to rise again.  I made the rolls Sunday afternoon and actually baked them Monday morning for breakfast.  I will be honest they were pretty decent for doing it for the first time.  They were a little chewy and not very soft.  I would give them a 7 out of 10.  I know I am probably being hard on myself, but aren't we all our own worse critic.  Here is a picture of the end result:

YUMMY!

I tired to come up with a cool flier to advertise, but didn't have much success.  I want to have people think of the holidays and all of those home baked things.  I know I will think of something, some how I always do.  

I have plans a trying something really new this weekend.  I having a fun girls weekend and I was thinking of making Angel Food Cupcakes with White Chocolate Mousse Filling.  I know it will drive my girlfriends crazy.  I'll let you know the outcome.

Until next time.....Happy Baking!