 Having the new baby in our lives has been wonderful, but there has been a hitch in our giddy-up. Momma has been taken to the hospital with a systemic staph infection and I am heading that way now. I would just appreciate your prayers for our dear daughter. She is quite sick and I am struggling not to worry. God is in control, I know. Thank you dear readers for your thoughts. I’ll let you know what happens.  |
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Prayers Would Be Appreciated
December 7th, 2011
Repopulating the Earth
December 3rd, 2011
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Boy has this been a wild, wild week. No sleep has been the order of the days with the accompanying red, weepy eyes that feel like sandpaper, but it has been worth it because my very first grandbaby entered the world to take it by storm! I got to be a present during the whole time, sticking around in the birthing room until things got too painful for me to stand by objectively!! I found out that I can’t abide hearing my children in pain. And so, we two grandmothers-to-be twiddled our thumbs, paced and solved all of the problems of the universe until Daddy came out to present his jewel to family on both sides and we all immediately fell in love with Claire Margaret.  Isn’t it amazing how a little baby makes things all right with the world? The dollar could crash, the Fed could decide to close shop and hand out monopoly money (oh wait – they already are doing that) or Oklahoma could have another earthquake (did I mention that we had one on Thanksgiving Day? Ok – another story) and I’d just be grinning from ear to ear looking at a head of hair that rivals our long-haired miniature dachshund and little rosebud lips. At that moment, I know that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made because God’s works are wonderful” (Psalm 139) and that we are a miracle. Baby’s incredible parents opted for Natural Childbirth using the Bradley Method. I knew all about Lamaze, but had never heard of this old-new way of doing things. Absolutely unbelieveable how amazing this program is. Yes, there was pain but oh my how Mommy handled the pain. It was something to behold. Daddy had been instructed for 12 weeks on every single little detail about what to expect and how to deal with it. He had a book that he had practically memorized with pages to fill out as labor progressed. At one point during transition , Mommy made a typical, textbook statement, “Who thought that doing it this way was a good idea????? This was stupid!!! I can’t do it anymore. I quit.” whereupon Daddy massaged her back and calmly assured, “You’re doing great!! You are amazing. You are right at page 78!” The doctor and the nurse were very impressed. Most amazing of all was that the doctor stayed with them through most of the long labor. I had never known a doctor to do that. There were no drugs, no epidurals and no episiotomy – just soft, kind and encouraging words and true excitement at the results. The end product was a very alert and active baby and a mom who looked fresh as flowers. Truly a testimony to a simpler form of delivery. And so, I am back home with all my pictures and memories that will be with me forever. The other grandmother and I had such a bonding experience and things will never be the same again. There just simply isn’t anything more miraculous than a newborn baby.   |
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We Have A Winner!
November 25th, 2011
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OK….yes….I’ve been on a week long hiatus because the first grandchild is due, relatives are in from all over the country for the event (first great-grandchild too!) and I have finally figured out that I have not mastered multi-tasking, growing four arms or cloning a perfect imitation of myself. (perfect, unlike me!) For some reason, I have not found it possible to type while serving meals, chasing pets to keep them out of visitors’ plates, and balancing a ham, a turkey and a fresh pecan pie like a really bad juggler. But I have found time to be really, really thankful for the blessings so richly bestowed on me and my family. I am thankful for each and every one of you readers who make it so very worthwhile to struggle with HTML, Photoshop and WordPress because of your encouraging emails of appreciation. I am thankful for being allowed to be a part of this great state and this great country and I am really thankful for Mr. Fix-It and his generous and gentle spirit. I am continually blessed by my parents and sisters, my children and my friends (of which I count many of you). I am truly a woman filled with joy. Thank you for being part of that joy.  Without further ado, there was one activity to which was attended with due diligence at the Oklahoma Pastry Cloth™ digs and that was the drawing for the winner of the Appletime Giveaway in which so many of you entered. We even used a real hat so that we could say, “We put your name in the hat!” The hat we used was actually Mr. Fix-It’s Great-Grandfather’s felt cowboy hat. A family member, a totally unbiased and REALLY disinterested 20-something (she WAS fascinated by how many little folded up papers there were!) stuck her hand in, shuffled the papers and pulled out…..drum roll please…..Candy of Lazy J Bar C Farm blog fame. Yay, Candy. Now you get to make LOTS of apple pies!! Congratulations.  And just to let you know, there is another giveaway coming up in just a few days. So get ready to enter. It’ll be a good one!! |
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Game Day Chicken Fingers
November 16th, 2011
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Apple Time Giveaway Not a soul in Oklahoma is away from the television when OU and OSU come together to fight it out at “Bedlam” when the Red and White intermingles with the Orange and White. Mixed marriages of OU and OSU alumni have been known to need police protection on the premises. This year, Bedlam is the last game of the OU season and though my dear son-in-law is of the OSU variety, I have to cheer the Sooners on, singing Boomer Sooner at the top of my lungs. Fortunately, Mr. Fix-It and I are of one mind and he tolerates my screams at the television set, my jumping up and down and my offers to Coach Stoops the expertise that can only come from a woman who has never played football or had a son who had any interest in playing football. Both of our sons played drums and guitar, but I see a similarity to the passion needed in a team, so that makes me qualified to coach from a standing position in front of the television in Mr. Fix-It’s line of sight. Of course, there is always food for a game and one of Mr. Fix-It’s favorites are boneless chicken fingers dipped in a variety of sauces. This recipe is especially for you new cooks who are just getting started and is very elementary. But it’s quick, easy and yummy and it is my own recipe. So get out those big, foam fingers and get ready for your favorite big game. It doesn’t matter who wins – at least you’ll be full! (this recipe can be doubled or tripled, etc for larger groups) 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts cut into strips Milk 1 to 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 package Liptons Cream of Chicken Cup-a-Soup Oil for frying Directions:  In a large, plastic bowl with a lid, add flour and spices and mix.  Mix in powdered soup  Place pieces of chicken into the bowl with the flour mixture and cover tightly with lid.  Shake until all pieces are well-floured  Place floured pieces of chicken one at a time into the hot oil.  Brown and then turn to brown the other side. Only brown, it doesn’t matter if the chicken gets done all the way through.  When browned, place pieces of chicken onto a cookie rack that has been placed over a shallow cookie pan. Place the rack and pan of chicken, uncovered, into a 350º oven and bake for 20 minutes. This cooks the chicken to tender and also removes much of the oil while leaving a nice crust.  Remove chicken from the oven and let cool slightly. Now you can cover pieces in different sauces. I like to toss some of the pieces in honey.  And then add our favorite barbeque sauce to make a honey-barbeque. I coat the pieces evenly by putting them into plasticware dishes with lids and then covering and tossing in the sauces.  Of course, I HAVE to have my hot wing sauce!  Leave some plain to be served with white gravy or chicken gravy and you have a nice variety! As I said, this recipe can be increased for however many people you plan to entertain.  And IF you have any left-overs, lunch or dinner the next day is yummy indeed with a nice salad of organic greens, cranberries, sunflower seeds and plum tomatoes topped with the cubed chicken and blue cheese. |
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Just A Reminder
November 14th, 2011
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I noticed this weekend that starting Wednesday here in Okieland that celery, sweet potatoes, turkeys, etc are all going on sale for dirt cheap prices. So now is the time to grab and can or dehydrate for the rest of the year. For example:  Celery is 3 bags for $1 here. Guess what I am going to be dehydrating. The step-by-step tutorial is here  Sweet potatoes are on sale for 3 lbs for 99¢ so I will be dehydrating those too for wonderful sweet potato casseroles and candied yams. You’ll find my step-by-step directions here. And get extra turkeys if you can. Put them in the freezer for later. After Thanksgiving, I’ll be showing you how to can the meat for wonderful pot pies, casseroles and turkey and dressing. |
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If God Meant Man To Fly….
November 11th, 2011
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Apple Time Giveaway What is it about men and airplanes? I remember little boys in my elementary school classes bragging that they were going to be pilots someday while we poor little girls swooned at the thought of just being “stewardesses” who wore short skirts, high heels and met rich pilots. Flying has been a part of my family as long as I can remember. My uncle is a retired Eastern Airline pilot, my cousin flies for Northwest, my cousin-in-law is retired from Delta and another cousin has a bush pilot company in Alaska. I think part of us have Wilbur or Orville’s DNA in there somewhere. Not I, though. Oh no. My feet are planted squarely on Terra Firma (when it isn’t shaking of course) and I just really don’t get all that excited about getting any higher than our four foot ladder to pick apples. In my world, a flight on a commercial airline only occurs when all other options, including hitching a ride on a McDonald’s semi, run out and I have to get 900 miles from point A to point B in a matter of hours. I do grit my teeth, board a plane and take stock of all exits and oxygen masks within range. But a small plane? Puh-leeeeee-zzzz. I grew up with Sky King and Penny and I saw how those little planes would nearly crash in pursuit of villains and spies. And then, in college, some tall, relatively handsome upperclassman who thought he was God’s gift to us freshman females decided to impress me with the fact that he had his very own airplane. No Camaro for this dude. Nope. He gave new meaning to, “slept late and flew to class”. So, like the dumb kid that I was, I bounced into the front passenger seat of his tin-can-of-death and cheerfully watched as the grounds of Middle Tennessee State University disappeared from view. All was going great until Mr. Macho put a piece of paper in my lap and told me to watch it. I stared at the scrap as this nerd dropped the plane so fast that the paper lifted off of my lap – with my stomach. Taught that guy never to take a freshman girl up in his plane again. It is with this personal background that you might understand my trepidation when my son, Sir Flying Ace, informed me that he had bought an airplane – an older Cessna 172. No, he’s too old to take freshman girls up into the wild-blue-yonder – short of a prison sentence – but as far as I’m concerned, he’s still too young to drive a car, let alone fly a hunk of metal with an engine that by all rights shouldn’t be able to get 10 feet off the ground. I mean, think about it. Does it seem logical to you that a 150 lb human being can jump off a balcony, flapping his arms and end up in the emergency room with broken limbs, but a 2000 lb airplane can travel for hundreds of miles way up in the clouds? Just doesn’t make sense. Well, this weekend Mr. Fix-It and I made a trip to northwest Oklahoma to see Sir Flying Ace and his airplane. Of course, I had already told him that the Kardashians would reunite before I would get into a small plane, but I have been known to eat my words.  Sir Flying Ace was rather sneaky. As he pulled his plane out of the hangar, he coaxed us to hop in just to taxi down the strip to the gas tank to fill up his winged buggy.  As he fueled the tanks, his friend and fellow pilot, Master Charlie Bravo, decided to help check things over and join in the fun. At this point, Mr. Fix-It and I realized that we were trapped with no way to get back to the hangar unless we wanted to look like idiots walking down an airstrip. We reluctantly climbed into the two back seats of the plane and it was then that I realized that Mr. Fix-It does not have those Orville and Wilber genes and is more afraid of flying than I am! I can’t quite describe the look that he gave me, but it was kind of a combination of, “If I live through this, you are making me blueberry pancakes every morning for a month!” and “Would I look stupid if I fall down on the tarmac and play dead?”  As it was, we both managed to stay seat-belted and calm as our two pilots deftly lifted us into a beautiful, clear sky and over the town.   A grid of wheat and cotton pastures stretched as far as we could see, bordered by miles of white crystals on the Great Salt Plains.  Terrace farming is used in Western Oklahoma to avoid the catastrophe of the dust storms like in the 1930’s Dust Bowl.  We landed without a hitch, taxied back to the hangar and Mr. Fix-It and I were able to unload from our ride without dropping to our knees and kissing the ground like airsick fools. We toured the area with Sir Flying Ace and marveled at the planes that he was working on and putting back together as part of his position at Vantage Plane Plastics. I am very proud of the careful and meticulous job he does replacing interiors, working on engines and doing required FAA inspections. Aviation has been in his blood since he was two years old and running out into the yard everytime a helicopter or plane flew overhead.  And so, after our lovely visit, amazing flight and good company, Mr. Fix-It and I headed home smiling because we had made a memory and lived to tell about it! And Sir Flying Ace had performed a miracle. He had gotten us into his plane and into the air! I guess he’s feeling pretty smart. We are feeing mighty blessed!  |
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Shake, Rattle And Roll…And Freak
November 7th, 2011
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Apple Time Giveaway Now I KNOW my Oklahoma history. I read that Steinbeck book and saw the movie with Henry Fonda about the 1930’s when a boatload of Okies travelled in old, rickety trucks to California to pick angry grapes because the grapes here were too dusty. I know that half the people in Oklahoma have relatives in California (also known as Californee) who decided that the beautiful land of plenty there beat our dust and home canned vittles – never mind those grapes of wrath. My sister is one of them, however she just went there because she liked it in the 80’s. And so, in spite of a few really weird states separating us (just kidding!), California and Oklahoma have a special bond. But we don’t like California THAT much. It’s a great thing for that long, skinny state to send us strawberries, avacados and Tom Selleck, but we draw the line at the earthquakes. Oklahoma doesn’t have earthquakes. Oklahoma doesn’t WANT earthquakes. Oklahoma has tornadoes and Oklahomans know how to hide from tornadoes in a shelter. But trust me…there is NO place to hide in an earthquake. Short of having a helicopter in your front yard, revved and ready at a moment’s notice to whisk you off of terra-not-so-firma, you are relegated to scrambling under a desk that you remember has the two million ton computer sitting on top of it – and therefore on top of you. So I guess you’ve seen the headlines. Saturday night, Armageddon struck the Sparks/Oklahoma City/Shawnee/Prague/Chandler area with a 5.6 tremor that sent newscasters across the country into fits of pretend frenzy. It was almost as bad as when the University of Oklahoma Sooners gave up their undefeated title to Texas Tech. Now, there HAS been damage. And to every individual or family who lost crystal, china, bricks, mortar and a sense of stability, just know that Californians are rolling their eyes right now and comparing this disaster to their size 8 rockers with disdain. However, a loss is a loss and there are a bunch of Oklahomans feeling that great loss today. A beautiful building in Shawnee, 100 years old, had major damage to it’s spires and it is a sad thing to behold. Homes have huge cracks, downed chimneys and scattered piles of bricks. Most people don’t have earthquake insurance. Who thought it was needed?! Mr. Fix-It and I are very fortunate. We have experienced no damage and are only left with a very strong sense of vulnerability from this experience. We have never been through anything like that before and really don’t want to do that again. I was slammed into Mr. Fix-It and he was slammed into the television armoir and I will not lie – I screamed like a little girl!! Yes I did. Somehow we made it under a table to experience the rolling and shaking on our knees like the total cowards we are!! And then of course, afterward, I had to call or text every individual I know in the state to say, “Did you feel THAT?!!” And they responded, “YES!! Did you?” And after determining that we had both felt “it”, then we compared notes about where we were, what we did, how we felt, what we thought, what we should have done and what we will do if there is ever a next time which we all agreed we hope there isn’t. I also called my “Californee” sister to find out what one is supposed to do in an earthquake situation besides run around screaming like a scared rabbit. Human action after a perceived crisis is a curious thing indeed and something I would suggest some Freudian expert study sometime. It might mean a government grant. So thank goodness for our awesome God, our protector, and a sturdy house. It is now possible for us to help someone else pick up their pieces. But just a word to you Californians…please keep your earthquakes and we’ll keep our tornadoes!! And to my sister (and all Californians), this is all in fun and I hope you will speak to me at the next wedding!!  Photo from KWTV News 9 Benedictine Hall at St. Gregory’s University lost a turret and had another (on the left) damaged and leaning  Photo from KWTV News 9 This home had major damage. The chimney also fell in and took the roof with it. Fortunately, these blessed souls had earthquake insurance.  Photo from KWTV News 9 Bricks shaken from a home are scattered in the yard.  Photo from KOCO Channel 5 Hwy 62 buckled and split |
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Quick Curried Chicken
November 3rd, 2011
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Apple Time Giveaway It’s cold in Okieland!! Who would have believed this past summer, as we suffered through 60 some odd days of triple digit temps, that we could ever reach 30 degrees! It’s glorious. The sun is shining, we got a little rain yesterday and the air is clear. Good times! In this cold weather, this wonderful chicken dish is hot, fast and filling. Accompanied by hearty Indian Basmati rice and fried spinach you’ll think you are in Calcutta. Mr. Fix-It loved this dish and ate two helpings. I think you’ll love it too because it is so easy to fix. So here you go: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes or strips 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion chopped 2 cloves garlic minced or 2 tsps garlic paste 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoons yellow curry powder 1/2 cup coconut milk salt and pepper to taste 3/4 c. flour 1/4 c. cornstarch 1/4 tsp tumeric 1/2 tsp. soda 1 egg 1/4 – 1/2 cup ice water  Pour olive oil into large skillet  Add chicken and cook on medium high until lightly browned but not cooked all the way through. Remove from skillet and set aside.  Add onions to the skillet  And garlic. I have found this wonderful stuff at Walmart. It is in the produce section. There are a variety of organic herbs in paste form. How cool is that? It takes two teaspoons of this garlic paste. Cook until onions are tender and slightly clear  Reintroduce lightly cooked chicken to the skillet with the onion and garlic and add tomatoes. I am using home canned tomatoes here, that I pulsed in the blender for a few seconds. Stir until ingredients are mixed.  Add two tbslps curry powder and stir until curry is mixed throughout. Simmer the mixture for 30 – 40 minutes, stirring occassionally, until thickened and chicken is cooked and tender. Start your rice.  You can find coconut milk at any grocery store. Shake the can and then pour out 1/2 cup. Store the rest in the frig in a refrigerator dish.  Add coconut milk and stir to incorporate. Allow to simmer 10 more minutes, stirring occassionally.  While the curry is cooking, mix flour, corn starch, tumeric and soda in a bowl and add beaten egg. Slowly add 1/4 cup ice water and stir. Add more water as necessary to form a nice, thick batter like pancake batter. Start a skillet or pan of hot oil about 3″ deep and heat to 350º.  Take a handful of fresh spinach and dip the entire handful into the batter.  It’s messy, I know. It doesn’t matter if all of the spinach is covered. The object is to make all the leaves of spinach stick together.  Drop battered clump of spinach into hot oil and fry on one side until browned and then turn. Drain on a rack over a paper towel.  Put rice onto plates and spoon curry over rice. Add spinach and a salad and you are done! |
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Quick BBQ Wings
October 27th, 2011
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Apple Time Giveaway Last night was supposed to be Game 6 of the World Series, but it got rained out. We are happy here in Okie Land, though, because evidently, St. Louis sent us that rain!! All night long. It was wonderful. It smells so good outside and it is very cool. Finally, plenty of wet stuff. It’s about time!! Of course, this is the time for all things football too and we Okies put aside everything for Saturday OU or OSU games. Got appendicitis? Tough beans. You’ll just have to wait until the game is over. No doctors available. And when OU faces OSU? Oh my. It’s the Hatfields and the McCoys, however, my son-in-law, an OSU Cowboy, graciously defers to my daughter, the OU Sooner, because he likes his teeth with which to eat. And speaking of eating, here’s a really quick and easy way to have your wings and eat them too, while glued to the television, watching those ball games. It’s something I do for Mr. Fix-It that’s quick and doesn’t need babying. They are tender and yummy and messy to eat!! The same thing can be done with strips of chicken breast for “boneless wings”. For 12 wing parts – Using fresh wings, divide at the two joints and use the drumstick and forearm portions. Use the pointed wing end for chicken stock. These wing portions can be purchased this frozen as well. 12 wing portions  Place wings into a plastic dish that has a lid and add bbq sauce. I am using Head Country sauce which is produced right here in Ponca City, OK.  Next, add honey. Hint: Rinse measuring cup with warm water (do not dry) and then pour in honey. The honey comes out of the measuring cup easier.  Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder  And 1/4 tsp thyme  Snap on the lid and shake until all of the pieces are covered with the sauce mixture.  Place the chicken onto a greased baking sheet and spoon about half of the leftover sauce mix over the pieces. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon rest of the mixture onto the pieces and return to the oven to bake for 15 to 20 more minutes until brown and tender.  Golden brown and melt in your mouth good. |
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Buttermilk Whole Wheat Rolls
October 24th, 2011
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Apple Time Giveaway I guess I’m on a bread baking marathon because I’m trying recipe after recipe!! With OU football and Rangers baseball, Mr. Fix-It is reveling in home made soups, chili and bread. Never let it be said that I don’t know the way to a man’s stomach – I mean – heart. Friday, at Deborah Jean’s Dandelion House Friday Blog Hop, I saw that Candy at Lazy J Bar C Farm had been busy in the kitchen making the most beautiful rolls you ever saw. She sells them at her local Farmers’ Market and they evidently go like hotcakes – no hot rolls. Candy is a reader here and I follow her blog, so she graciously gave me permission to post the recipe here for you. Of course, I had to try the recipe first and take pictures! The rolls are so easy. And with a ribeye steak and baked potato last night, Mr. Fix-It put away several of these whole wheat delights, happily cheering on the Texas Rangers and watching Nolan Ryan drop the first pitch by former president George Bush. So here you go. I think you will love the presentation of the rolls and the taste as well! 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup warm milk 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 1/2 cups bread flour (I use King Arthur Bread Flour) 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast OR 1 packet active dry yeast (1 tbsp loose) If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk before combining with the remaining ingredients.  In the bowl of a mixer with dough hooks, add buttermilk and then yeast that has been proofed in the warm milk (if using packaged or loose yeast).  Add butter that has been cut into slices  Add sugar (I added honey for Mr. Fix-It)  Then, add the eggs, salt and bread flour. Lightly mix all ingredients.  Add whole wheat flour one cup at a time. I added a total of 1 1/2 cups and reserved 1/2 cup for flouring my pastry cloth. The dough pulls away from the side of the bowl and is stiff and may not require all of the flour. Do not add too much flour.  Scrape the dough out onto your floured Oklahoma Pastry Cloth™  Lightly knead into a smooth ball  Pour about a tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom of a bowl and place the dough ball in top side down. Turn the dough ball so that the oiled top is up. Cover with a warm, wet towel and allow to rise until double.  Divide the dough out into 16 equal sections. I used a scale to weigh the dough to make sure each piece was the same.  Form each section into a ball and place 8 each into 9″ round cake pans, seam side down.  Cover each pan with a warm, wet towel and allow to rise until doubled again.  Bake at 375º for 12 – 15 minutes. It helps to rotate the pans from front to back to brown the rolls evenly. Remove to cooling racks immediately.  My contribution to the project was a glaze that I put on as soon as they came out of the oven and went onto the racks. I melted 2 tbsp. butter and 1 tbsp honey. Oh yeah. That was brushed over the tops of the rolls.  And yes….they are scrumptious. Thanks so much, Candy, for giving me a new, family roll recipe!! |
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