So I thought I'd do a sequential post for Christmas this year. I've never done one, and I'm already behind so we'll see if I get through all 8 or not. But I wanted to share some of our Christmas traditions and then hear from you on some of yours. Maybe we'll add a couple more to our list for next year.
Day 10-Christmas Baking (for ourselves)
When I think about baking, I think of my Grandpa and Grandpa Moore. Even though my grandma has passed away, my grandfather has tried to continue this tradition. The three favorites of the Moore family is Norwegian Christmas Bread, Bakalese, and Orange Rolls. I'm not a huge fan of the Christmas Bread because of the dried fruit in it, but the bread part tastes good. The Bakalese is something that has to "grow on you" and the orange rolls are a staple in my kitchen.
These are the bakalese. It's a flat bread that has been fried. The interesting ingredient is the cardamom seed. It was fun to make these over Thanksgiving with the entire family, and learn the in's and out's on how to roll the dough, cut the slits and fry them to perfection. Gordon doesn't like the taste so I probably won't be making them anytime soon. However, the boys and I definitely like them and will eat them anytime we have a chance.
These are orange rolls-my favorite! (And Kaden's too). Kaden is constantly begging me to make these anytime I have oranges around, as it calls for orange peel in the filling. And we try to make these "just like Grandpa." It's pretty funny to watch how each family member makes their own version on them, sometimes substituting different ingredients. We made three different fillings on T-day, trying out each family's recipe, and I have to say that I like the original best. But as Grandpa says, it get them to raise just right, you have to put them in front of the fire. So that's what we do-let the rolls raise by our fireplace and they turn out great! Here's my recipe for them:
Orange Rolls
From the kitchen of Grandma Moore
2 pkgs yeast (4 1/2 tsp.) For the filling:
1/2 cup warm water 1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup scalded milk 4 orange rinds
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
In a saucepan, scald milk. Then add shortening and set aside to cool. In a ceramic bowl, mix yeast, water and sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, and the milk is cool, combine both mixtures in your Kitchen Aide. Mix. Add eggs and salt. Blend. Add enough flour to make a soft dough (5-6 cups). Cover and let it raise till it's double. Divide dough in half, roll out till it's a little less than 1/4" thick. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the filling. Spread half of filling on rolled out dough. Then roll up dough and cut into 1" segments. Place in greased muffin tins. Let them rise again. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 2-3 dozen.
Some family uses butter instead of shortening, and some cut back on the orange rind and use orange juice concentrate. It's up to you...experiment and see what you like best. They are wonderful if you freeze them and then microwave them when ready to eat. I try to freeze a bag each time I make them so I don't eat them all in one day-but the bag is usually cracked open before the week is over!
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