Mix it Up Monday: Hollis Edition

This week's Mix it Up Monday creation is brought to you by Hollis. We went with our playgroup to the Young Chef's Academy last week and made Mini Cinnamon Rolls. It was a great playgroup, all the kids (4 three year olds!) sat quietly and listened and followed directions without (much) help from the moms. We all know Hollis loves to help in the kitchen, so this was right up this alley. He learned to knead the dough (that should come in handy), roll the dough, spread the butter and sprinkled on the cinnamon and sugar mixture. We discovered that they are "Mini" Cinnamon Rolls because three year olds can't manage to wait for them to rise the second time. These are tasty and easy. If you have a child who likes to help, this is a great recipe to use. Make the dough ahead of time and then let the helpers knead, roll and make the filling. The original recipe from the Young Chef's Academy is a vegan recipe, but you can substitute butter and milk for the oil and water for a non-vegan dough.

Kneading.
Listening to Directions.
(we are framing this one for future reference since we don't see this very often!)
Mmmm, butter.
Enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Young Chef's Academy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
1 c. warm water
1 package active yeast
1 t. salt
2 t. sugar
3 c. all purpose flour
2 T. vegetable oil
1/2 c. each of brown and white sugar
1 T. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
Sifted powdered sugar for garnish

-Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl with a dough hook and combine until a smooth ball of dough
-Lightly knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes
-Place in a lightly greased deep bowl covered with plastic wrap in a warm place until doubled in volume (about 1 hour)
-Knead dough 3 times after rising on a lightly floured surface
-Roll out to 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick. Spread or paint softened margarine or butter over entire surface, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar
-Roll up dough in a tight spiral. Cut with waxed dental floss or string into slices
-Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes on a lightly greased sheet pan
-Remove from oven and allow to cool. Top with powdered sugar, icing or enjoy alone

For larger rolls, allow them to rise a second time for about 15 minutes before baking.