Monkey Bread - A Holiday Tradition

Try this for a Merry Christmas Morning Treat.
Monkey bread, Sticky buns, Cinnamon rolls, whatever name you call it, these buns are delicious.

Other recipes for Cinnamon Buns in Tastes & Treasures cookbook.

Ingredients:
13.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3 cups)
4.75 ounces whole-wheat flour (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 package quick-rise yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 cup very warm fat-free milk (120° to 130°)
1/4 cup very warm orange juice (120° to 130°)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Cooking spray
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 1/2 tablespoons fat-free milk, divided
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours, salt, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer with dough hook attached; mix until combined. With mixer on, slowly add 1 cup milk, juice, honey, and 2 tablespoons butter; mix dough at medium speed 7 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)
2. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Combine 3 tablespoons milk and 2 tablespoons butter in a shallow dish, stirring with a whisk.
3. Punch dough down; divide into 8 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), roll into an 8-inch rope. Cut each dough rope into 8 equal pieces, shaping each piece into a 1-inch ball. Dip each ball in milk mixture, turning to coat, and roll in sugar mixture. Layer balls in a 12-cup Bundt pan coated with cooking spray. Repeat procedure with remaining 7 dough ropes. Sprinkle any remaining sugar mixture over dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until almost doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 350°.
Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until golden. Cool 5 minutes on a wire rack. Place a plate upside down on top of bread; invert onto plate. 

5. Combine powdered sugar, remaining milk, and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Microwave at HIGH 20 seconds or until warm. Drizzle over bread.

Cookbooks for historic El Chorro Lodge

Remodeled and looking better than ever, the restaurant is spacious and welcoming with Tastes and Treasures cookbook featured in the lobby. The famous Sticky Buns, recipe on page 78-79, are as delicious as ever.

El Chorro's Sheila Gaskell with Tastes and Treasures cookbook in the lobby cupboards.

Tastes and Treasures A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona has been reordered many times with El Chorro Lodge on E. Lincoln in Paradise Valley. We were happy to deliver more cookbooks yesterday and to continue working with such a charming, historic restaurant.

Paradise Valley's El Chorro Lodge

Historic El Chorro is featured in Tastes & Treasures cookbook with it's fascinating history, celebrities that dined there and now the Dorrance family that has remodeled and restored it. Sheila called to re-order the book, making the comment, "Visitors love to hear about the Lodge and take home a cookbook with the Sticky Buns recipe."

We are happy to partner with El Chorro Lodge and share Arizona's history.

Sticky Buns Breakfast Ring- another version of yummmmmy goodness!

Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring - Treat yourself for Christmas morning . . . Tastes & Treasures Cookbook has two recipes for this delicious treat. Also called Monkey Bread. All versions are worth it! For an extra treat - add sliced apples, or jelly in between each biscuit before baking.

Sticky Buns Breakfast Ring
Ingredients:
2 small tubes refrigerator Buttermilk Biscuits OR 1 tube Pillsbury Grands Buttermilk Biscuits
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 cup pancake syrup (any brand you like)
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
1/4 cup chopped almonds, optional

Directions:
Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray. Combine the melted butter and syrup in a small bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if desired). Place about half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top. Lay the biscuits on the bottom of the pan, overlapping edges (closely together) to form a ring. Top with remaining syrup and sugar mixtures. Bake at 375F degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute in the pan, then invert onto a serving platter and enjoy!
Thanks to BeRinged for the recipe.

Sticky Buns in the Crockpot

Tastes and Treasures Cookbook was given the delicious recipe for Sticky Buns from El Chorro Lodge. Sticky Buns are famous in the Phoenix area and have been a standard at El Chorro Lodge for years. Here's a new version.

Sticky Buns in the Crockpot

Ingredients:

16.3 oz. Pillsbury Grands biscuits
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
4 tsp. cinnamon, ground
8 oz. butter, stick, melted - (use butter, not margarine)
1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:
Use a slow cooker liner in a 5 quart slow cooker and spray the liner with cooking spray.
Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl. Mix sugars and cinnamon together in another bowl.
Cut each biscuit into quarters.

Line up the following ingredients in this order: biscuits, butter, sugar cinnamon mixture.
Dip biscuits into butter then roll in sugar cinnamon mixture and put in one layer on the bottom of the slow cooker. They will fit very snugly. (Note: If adding pecans (optional) sprinkle them in now.)
Place paper towel over top of crock. (This will keep the condensation from dripping down on the monkey bread.)
Cover. Cook on Low for 2-3 hours. Each crock cooks differently, so you will need to check!
When biscuits are done, lift out the liner and transfer to a plate.
A simple way to remove from the liner is to roll it down over the sides of the plate, and slide off with a large spatula!
Mix a cup of confectioners sugar and a couple tablespoons of milk for the icing. (Optional)
Drizzle over the top of of the monkey bread. (Optional…but very good)

Breakfast or Dessert? French Toast Casserole

This reminds me of the Sticky Buns recipe on page 78 in Tastes & Treasures cookbook. The recipe was given to the Historical League by historic El Chorro Lodge.

It is also one of those great recipes you can make ahead for company.

Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter
2 cup corn syrup
1 loaf French bread, sliced
5 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon
Garnish: powdered sugar, maple syrup

Directions:
Melt together brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in a saucepan over low heat; pour into a greased 13" x 9" baking pan. Arrange bread slices over mixture and set aside. Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla; pour over bread, coating all slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden. Sprinkle with powered sugar; serve with warm syrup. Makes 6-8 servings

Options: To make Peachy French Toast - Omit the corn syrup. Put a layer of peaches down on the brown sugar mixture. Then add the bread.
Options: Add 1 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Sticky Buns Breakfast Ring

Gooey and Delicious. We have two versions of this recipe in Tastes & Treasures cookbook, the original one on page 78 is from historic El Chorro Lodge.

Here's another version-

Sticky Bun Breakfast Ring - Easy and Delicious

Buttermilk Biscuits – 1 1/2 tubes Pillsbury Grands (12 pieces total)
Butter – 3 Tablespoons, melted
Maple Syrup – 1/2 cup
Brown Sugar – 1/3 cup, packed
Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon, ground
Pecans – 1/4 cup, chopped (optional)
Walnuts – 1/4 cup, sliced (optional)

•Preheat oven to 375 Degrees.
•Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray. Combine the melted butter and maple syrup in a small bowl and set aside.
•In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon and nuts (if desired).
•Place about half of the butter and maple syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then, sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top.
•Lay the biscuits on the bottom of the pan, overlapping edges (closely together) to form a ring.
•Top with remaining butter and maple syrup and brown sugar mixtures.
•Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.
•Remove pan from oven, and cool for 1 minute in the pan. Then, invert onto a serving platter and enjoy!

Rosemary Raisin Bread from Patti Goss

New League Member shares some thoughts about Tastes & Treasures cookbook.

"I have enjoyed reading the book as well as using the recipes. It also makes a wonderful gift to those who appreciate our Arizona history. The recipes I have used most often are Chicken Salad Pie, Garland’s Apple Tart, Orange Vinaigrette, Breakfast Casserole, Easy Sticky Buns and Rosemary Raisin Bread. The buns and bread are always enjoyed by my guests. I have not tried the El Charro Lodge Famous Sticky Buns because the ones I make are so good and easy.

Often I look at the recipes for inspiration and then combine some of the ideas. I am not a cook or baker that sticks with the exact recipe so I cannot repeat exactly what I do, except I do have fun. I am so thankful to all of the ladies who have contributed hours of their time preparing the cookbook.

Rosemary Raisin Bread - page 47 Tastes & Treasures cookbook

Ingredients:
1 cup raisins
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 cups bread flour

Directions:
Soak the raisins in 2 cups warm water in a bowl for 5 minutes to plump; drain well.
Dissolve the yeast in 1 cup warm water. Combine the warm milk, sugar, salt and rosemary in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the beaten eggs and mix at low speed for 1 minute. Mix in the olive oil and then the yeast mixture. Add the whole wheat flour and 3 cups of the bread flour. Mix at low speed until the dough begins to come together. Add the remaining bread flour a small amount at a time, mixing at low speed until the dough forms a ball and leaves the side of the bowl. Add the well-drained raisins gradually, mixing constantly at low speed.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in bulk. Remove the plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in bulk. Remove the plastic wrap and turn the dough onto a clean work surface. Lightly sprinkle flour over and around the dough and knead until smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes.
Press each portion into an 8X10-inch rectangle. Shape into loaves by rolling up the dough from the top of the rectangle towards you, pressing at the edge with your thumbs to seal. Place seam side down intwo lightly oiled 5X9-inch loaf pans. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 40 to 60 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Make three diagonal cuts int he top of each loaf and place on the middle oven rack. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the tops are brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Makes 2 loaves

Easy Sticky Buns - Breakfast Treat

Girls' weekends involve relaxing, shopping, chatting and indulging. We went to a lovely cabin in the Prescott mountains. Try this sticky, gooey, delicious treat for your next get-together.

Easy Sticky Bus, Monkey Bread, Pull-Aparts, Butterscotch Ring - call them anything you want. Enjoy and stay in your pajamas until noon.

1 package frozen yeast rolls (about 18)
1 (4-ounce) package Butterscotch Pudding and Pie Filling mix (we used Cook N Serve pudding)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups butter (2 1/2 sticks)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Spread the walnuts over the bottom of a bundt pan (or 8 X 12" pan) sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and top with the rolls.

Cook the remaining ingredients in a saucepan until blended, stirring frequently. Pour over the prepared layers. Let rise, covered with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, for 8 to 10 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes and invert onto a serving platter. Serve immediately.

Serves 12

Recipe can be found on page 199 Tastes & Treasures cookbook. El Chorro Lodge has it's traditional recipe for Famous Sticky Buns on page 78.

Easy Sticky Buns

Love the sticky buns from historic El Chorro restaurant? Here is a simpler version. The education department at the Arizona Historical Society also gives us a mini lesson about the Arizona Walnut tree at www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org

EASY STICKY BUNS

The Arizona Walnut is a type of tree that grows in Arizona. The Arizona Walnut grows very slowly and can live well over 20 years. When this tree is fully grown it can be 50 feet tall. In the spring and summer, the Arizona Walnut has yellow-green leaves and small brown flowers. During the fall and winter, the tree looses its leaves and the brown flowers become brown seeds, called walnuts.1 With these walnuts you can make delicious goodies like sticky buns.

You need:

1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1 package frozen yeast rolls (about 18)
1 ½ cups butter (2 ½ sticks)
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 (4 oz) package butterscotch pudding and pie filling mix
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Step 1: Spread the walnuts over the bottom of a bundt pan sprayed with nonstick
cooking spray and top with the yeast rolls.

Step 2: Cook remaining ingredients, butter, brown sugar, butterscotch mix, and cinnamon, in a saucepan until blended, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Pour over the prepared layers.

Step 4: Let rise, covered with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, for 8 to 10 hours.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 6: Let stand for 15 minutes and then turn upside down onto a serving platter.
Serve immediately. Serves 12.

*Recipe from Tastes & Treasures: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic
Arizona by the Historical League, Inc. Available for purchase at the Arizona
Historical Society Museum at Papago Park, (480) 929-0292.

AHS website new and improved

Thanks to Kyle McKoy and the education staff at the Arizona Historical Society Museum, www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org has a new and improved look. Especially inviting is the Kids Only Section with activities, puzzles, history and recipes to follow. The Easy Sticky Buns may not be the traditional, historical recipe from El Chorro (found in Tastes & Treasures page 78) but it is a fun one for children.

www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/education/kids_only

Scottsdale ArtFest 2009

Scottsdale’s annual ArtFest is always a good venue for the League to sell cookbooks, and it helps League coffers even more because the organization waives the rental fee. Last weekend (11/21 & 22) Carolyn Mendoza and her assistants Mariamne Moore, Lindy Isacksen, Margaret Pogue, Brigitte Warnke and Joan Robinson-Blumit sold 67 books, 2 adult aprons, 1 junior size and 1 child size. Ruth Ann and Phil Hogan assisted in breakdown of our booth on Sunday.

Carolyn’s batch of Tastes & Treasures granola (recipe page 196) was a big hit and I’d say it convinced more than one shopper to make a purchase. Displaying the photo of El Chorro Lodge’s sticky buns (recipe page 78) also attracted visitors to the League’s booth.

Fairmont Princess Shop carries Cookbook

Thanks to League member, Nina Filippi, the Scottsdale Princess hotel called to order cookbooks. Nina showed buyer, Cynthia Gosse, a sample book and she thought it would be a great addition to their Princess shop. I delivered them yesterday and Cheryl Lucas, the manager, was very interested. She leafed through the entire book, commenting on various recipes and historic places. El Chorro is a favorite of hers with the Sticky Buns recipe, page 79. Tumbleweeds on page 192 got her attention also. The Princess often does special events so I mentioned how easy it is to sample the Granola page 196. It is so healthy and delicious. I freeze extra in ziploc bags for future use. We will serve several different recipes at the private Sandra Day O'Connor exhibit opening October 21.

Granola
4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups pistachios
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 1/2 cups slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup honey
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup finely chopped assorted dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cranberries, dates)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the oats, coconut, pistachios, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds and cinnamon in a bowl. Combine the honey, brown sugar, molasses and butter in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until blended, stirring frequently; do not allow to boil.
Pour the honey mixture over the oats mixture and mix until coated. Spread the oats mixture on a greased baking sheet with edges. Bake for 15 minutes or until the oats are golden brown, stirring frequently. Spoon immediately into a heatproof bowl and stir in the dried fruit. Store in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags in a cool environment for up to 2 months. Freeze if storing for longer than 2 months. Makes 16 to 18 cups.
Hint - Do not let the granola sit on the hot cookie sheet.