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How to Make Homemade Sparkling Lemonade

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If ever there were a beverage considered to be the ultimate thirst quencher, surely lemonade must be it. This delightfully fizzy version lightens things up with the addition of sparkling water. Sweet, tangy and effervescent, you could also incorporate other flavors such as muddled strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing twist.

Three glasses of sparkling lemonade with mint garnish

Things You\’ll Need

  • 3 cups water

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 16.9 oz bottle of sparkling water

  • Lemon wheels and slices for garnish (optional)

  • Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

  • Ice, as needed

Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup

Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan on low heat. Simmer the mixture and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.

Simple syrup simmering in pan

Step 2: Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice

Squeeze five to six lemons into a measuring cup until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.

Squeezing lemon over measuring cup

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large pitcher, combine the simple syrup and fresh lemon juice with 2 cups of cold water and the bottle of sparkling water. Stir the ingredients together and float several lemon wheels on top for garnish.

Pouring lemon juice into pitcher Pouring sparkling water into pitcher Pitcher of sparkling lemonade garnished with lemon wheels

Tip

You can easily turn this nonalcoholic beverage into a "hard lemonade" cocktail with the addition of vodka, gin or light rum. Or, substitute the sparkling water with sparkling wine instead.

Step 4: Pour and Serve

Fill individual glasses with ice, pour the sparkling lemonade and garnish each with a sprig of mint and a lemon slice.

Pouring sparkling lemonade into ice-filled glass Three glasses of sparkling lemonade with mint garnish Three glasses of sparkling lemonade with mint garnish

The Best Sparkling Water Makers in 2022

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Healthy refreshing summer drinks

Sometimes, the little things make the biggest difference, and this is especially true with bubbly drinks! Whether you're looking for a refreshing soda, to zhuzh up your spring water or make your glass of sauvignon blanc dance, a sparkling water maker is exactly what you need. But which one should you choose? While most will automatically point to SodaStream, other brands in the space are pushing the boundaries.

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Although it might seem like all sparkling water makers are the same, they aren't. It's in your best interest to do some research before adding one to your online shopping cart.

What To Consider When Purchasing a Sparkling Water Maker

Carbonation Access:​ The first bit of research is to visit nearby grocery or big-box stores to check if they stock your soda maker's CO2 cylinder. While you could easily place an online order, some people might prefer to load up during their weekly grocery run.

Replacement Bottle Availability:​ Another factor to consider is how easy it is to source replacement carbonating bottles, as some plastic containers aren't dishwasher-safe and can be easily damaged. So, be sure to check the availability of replacement parts. You can opt for glass carbonating bottles but expect to pay more for this premium feature.

Design:​ One of the biggest factors to consider is design. If you don't find your sparkling water maker aesthetically pleasing, you're bound to hide it in the cupboard where it will never be used. Size is equally important as counter space is always limited, no matter which household you come from.

Power Source:​ It may come as a surprise to some old-schoolers, but there are sparkling watermakers that require electricity. You can still opt for a simple unit, but you'll miss out on the latest features.

Now, let's dive into our top sparkling water makers for 2022.

Soda with lemon

The Best Sparkling Water Maker for Beginners

SodaStream Fizzi One Touch Sparkling Water Maker

$99.99 at Walmart

It shouldn't come as a surprise that SodaStream makes the best overall machine. As the name implies, there are three buttons, each indicating the level of carbonation. This easy system means there's no learning curve to using this product. Simply load up the machine with the SodaStream CO2 cylinder, plug it in, add the BPA-free carbonating bottle, and push one button for the exact level of carbonation you desire.

With SodaStream, you are also reusing CO2 cylinders, which means you're creating less waste. Each CO2 cylinder is estimated to produce 60 liters of fresh, sparkling water. The machine measures 6 inches long, 10.83 inches wide and 17.32 inches tall, making it relatively compact. The Fizzi One Touch Starter Kit comes with a CO2 cylinder, a 1-liter bottle and a 3-year warranty.

sparkling water maker starter kit

The Most Versatile Sparkling Water Maker

Drinkmate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker

$85.99 – $89.99 at Amazon

Whether you're loading juice, ice tea, coffee, wine, cocktails, flat soda or beer, the Drinkmate handles them all! It's also available in four colors: Classic White, Matte Black, Royal Red and Arctic Blue, allowing you to select a sparkling water maker that blends in with your kitchen's color palette.

The Drinkmate uses a CO2 cylinder that can produce an estimated 60 liters of fizzy liquids and is compatible with other brands. It also offers a reusable, 1-liter carbonating bottle, which is made from BPA-free plastic. However, unlike the SodaStream, the CO2 cylinder isn't included with the entry-level purchase.

It's also not electrically operated and just uses simple push-button carbonation. Size-wise, it's 8 inches long, 5 inches wide and 16 inches tall—making it more compact than its main competitor. The Drinkmate comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind.

light blue sparkling water maker

The Most Design-Forward Sparkling Water Maker

aarke Carbonator III Premium

$219.00 -$457.23 at Amazon

Stylish, slim and sophisticated, the aarke Carbonator III is minimalism at its best. Utilizing stainless steel, you won't find any plastic fittings on this sparkling water maker. As the name indicates, this is the third version of the aarke Carbonator, and it now has a new internal safety valve system and a new CNC-machined, stainless steel precision nozzle.

It also comes with a glass carbonator bottle that isn't interchangeable with older models, which is a shame due to the high price tag. The unit is focused on design, striving to be the most compact sparkling water maker with a drip tray seamlessly integrated into the base.

There are no external power sources needed, and it can integrate with the 60-liter CO2 cylinder offered by SodaStream. According to aarke's website, you can also use the new 80-liter canister, but don't expect it to yield more than 60 liters.

The Carbonator III is available in seven premium color options (prices vary between finishes): steel, copper, matte black, white, gold, black chrome and sand. The dimensions of the aarke are 10.24 inches long, 5.91 inches wide and 16.14 inches high. The unit comes with a one-year warranty.

aarke sparkling water maker sand

The Best Old-School Sparkling Water Maker

iSi Stainless Steel Soda Siphon

$66.99 at Amazon

If you're looking to wow your friends with your bartending skills, then the iSi Soda Siphon is perfect with its elegant, stainless steel bottle. And it's easy to use! Using smaller CO2 cylinders, it can fizz up to 1 liter of water at a time—the same amount of liquid that the carbonating bottle can hold.

The iSi Soda Siphon comes with strict user instructions, requiring that you fill it to the correct level, don't over-pressurize it and keep it clean. Also, the CO2 cylinders have to be disposed of, meaning it's a less eco-friendly option than other products on this list.

Once perfected, you will enjoy nicely fizzed drinks in no time. But honestly, this is all about the show—if you're looking for a "daily driver," choose another product. The dimensions of the iSi Soda Siphon are 3.5 inches long, 3.5 inches wide 12.25 inches high. The CO2 cylinders are not included and will have to be replaced more often due to their small size. At Walmart, they cost $7.50 for a 10-pack.

stainless steel soda siphon

The Most Innovative Sparkling Water Maker

Spärkel Beverage System

$119.99 at Amazon

If finding CO2 cylinders is something you'd like to avoid altogether, the Spärkel Beverage System is perfect for you. Rather than using pressurized CO2, this product produces sparkling water by combining packs they call A+B, which are citric acid and baking soda.

You get to select how much fizz you want in your drink from five settings, and the machine combines the exact amount from each pack. The unit is available in seven colors, giving you some room to customize your look. Also, you can carbonate anything you please, including real fruit bits, so there's no need to reach for the mixing solution.

It comes with ten carbonators and a 25.4-ounce carbonating bottle, which is dishwater safe. While you might be tempted to add the ingredients yourself when running low on supplies, the manufacturer warns that you need to stick with their packs.

There are a few drawbacks to this unit. Fizzing at the higher levels on the machine may require up to four minutes of waiting, and it also uses a power source. Unlike any of the other products on the list, the CO2 travels from the bottom of the bottle. But this sparkling water maker is blazing a new trail in a segment that has remained static for decades. The dimensions are 10 inches long, 5.65 wide and 15 inches high, and it comes with a one-year warranty.

sparkling water maker doesn\'t use CO2

How to Make Eggnog Thicker

Two glasses of rich eggnog in a holiday table setting Two glasses of eggnog garnished with nutmeg. Image Credit: David Smith/iStock/Getty Images

Eggnog can be prepared and enjoyed hot or cold, but regardless of your temperature preference for this classic drink, the consistency should be thick and creamy. A failure to cook eggnog long enough or beat the egg yolks or whites long enough or with the appropriate tool can result in eggnog that lacks its signature body. Prevent thin eggnog by cooking it until it reaches the desired consistency, or remedy a runny batch with the addition of beaten egg whites or heavy cream.

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Hot Eggnog

Eggnog prepared on the stovetop should be gently cooked until it reaches a temperature in the 150 to 160 degree Fahrenheit range. Once you see steam rise, whisk vigorously for an additional 30 seconds to a minute, until the eggnog becomes thick and smooth. You want the eggnog to coat the back of a spoon; don't pull the eggnog from the heat until it reaches this consistency. You can serve it hot, but if it's too thin, whirl it in a regular blender for 20 to 30 seconds to add more body. Or, if you prefer to serve it cold, let the eggnog chill in the refrigerator; it will thicken over the course of a few hours.

Cold Eggnog

While the cooking process thickens hot preparations, cold eggnog relies on egg yolks and well-beaten egg whites for the desired consistency. First, beat the egg yolks with an electric mixer, not a whisk. Then beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form, which takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes. To give thin eggnog more body, try adding another well-beaten egg white or two, or beat heavy cream until it's thick, approximately 30 to 60 seconds, and gradually add a small amount until you reach the desired consistency.

Slow Cooker Seafood Cioppino Recipe

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I can't imagine Christmas Eve without this zippy Italian seafood cioppino on the table. Loaded with shrimp, crab, clams, and haddock, this hearty stew is a seafood lovers dream come true! This stew is made in the slow cooker, making it a great option for special occasions or busy weeknights. Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Slow cooker seafood cioppino.

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Slow cooker seafood cioppino.

Things You\’ll Need

  • 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, (1)

  • 1 yellow onion, diced

  • 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped

  • 8 ounce bottle clam juice, (1)

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 pound haddock fillets, cut into 1 inch pieces

  • 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled but tails left on

  • 6.5 ounce cans minced clams in clam juice, (2)

  • 8 ounces container lump crab meat, drained, (1)

  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step 1

In a 4-quart slow cooker combine the tomatoes, onions, celery, clam juice, tomato paste, white wine, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, bay leaves and salt. Cook, covered, on low heat for 6 hours.

Combine the first 12 ingredients in your slow cooker and cook, covered, on low heat for 6 hours.

Step 2

Stir in the haddock, shrimp, clams and crab meat. Continue cooking for 45 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the haddock flakes easily when poked with a fork. Remove bay leaves and stir in parsley.

Stir in the seafood and cook for another 45 minutes, or until seafood is cooked through.

Step 3

Ladle the seafood cioppino into bowls and serve warm.

Ladle seafood cioppino into bowls. Serve warm.

Mini Deep Dish Pizza Muffins Recipe

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Although pizza is a fan favorite, it's more of an entrée than an appetizer. But thanks to this mini deep dish pizza muffin recipe, you can enjoy it as just that! Each of these tiny, adorable pizzas can be eaten in just three bites. Make 'em for parties or as a kid-friendly snack.

Mini deep dish pizza muffins

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Things You\’ll Need

  • 12 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/3 cup pepperoni, chopped (or mini pepperoni)

  • Butter or oil for greasing

Ingredients for mini deep dish pizza muffins

Tip

To make 12 pizza muffins in a standard tin, you'll need 12 ounces of dough. This is equivalent to 1 1/2 8-ounce cans of crescent rolls. You can save the leftover dough for more pizza muffins or another recipe.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

Form the dough into 12 balls, about the size of small golf balls. You should have enough leftover dough to make at least four more muffins.

Form pizza dough into balls

Step 2

Press each ball into the cup. Spread the dough in an even layer, making sure it's not too thick along the bottom. Remember, the dough will become puffy when baked.

Press dough into muffin cups

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Whisk with a fork.

Mix melted butter and spices

Step 4

Brush the butter mixture into the dough cups. Bake for 5 minutes.

Brush with melted butter and Italian seasoning

Step 5

Remove from the oven. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of sauce into each cup.

Add pizza sauce

Step 6

Top with cheese and pepperoni. Feel free to experiment and add your favorite pizza toppings, like cooked sausage or diced pineapple.

Add cheese and pepperoni

Step 7

Return to the oven. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until dough is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Bake until golden brown

Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, crushed red pepper or Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Mini deep dish pizza muffins

How to Preserve Jalapeños

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Things You\’ll Need

  • 1 quart cider vinegar

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup water

  • Deep cooking pot

  • 8 cups jalapeno peppers

  • Sterilized canning funnel

  • Sterilized canning jars and lids

  • Canning tongs

  • Boiling water canner

  • Colander

  • Bowl of ice water

  • Paper towels

  • Food dehydrator

  • Wax paper

  • Baking sheet

  • Resealable freezer bags

... Small, bullet-shaped jalapeno peppers can be preserved when red or green.

Preserve a peck of peppers for later use. Pickling, drying and freezing are the most common methods of preserving chili peppers, including jalapenos. Preserving red or green jalapeno peppers will determine the final flavor. Keep your preserved peppers on hand to use when you need them, without resorting to the tinny taste of commercially canned jalapeno peppers or skipping the peppers in the recipe.

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Pickling

Step 1

Combine and bring to a boil 1 quart cider vinegar, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Step 2

Add 8 cups sliced red or green sliced jalapeno peppers to the pot and cook for one minute.

Step 3

Pour the jalapeno pepper mixture through a sterilized funnel into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch space at the top of the jar.

Step 4

Place the lid without the ring on top of the jars. Loosely screw the ring around the lid.

Step 5

Bring water to a boil in a boiling water canner so it will cover the jars.

Step 6

Grip the neck of each jar with a pair of canning tongs and lower it into the boiling water.

Step 7

Return the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for 15 minutes.

Step 8

Transfer the jars to a towel to cool and dry for at least two hours.

Step 9

Remove the lid ring from each jar and press the center of the lid. If the center of the lid pops back up, store the jar in the refrigerator because it was not properly sealed during canning. If the lid does not pop back, replace the lid ring and tighten it. Store the pickled jalapeno peppers in the pantry for up to one year.

Drying

Step 1

Slice red jalapeno peppers into rounds and boil for one minute.

Step 2

Drain the peppers in a colander and pour into ice water to stop cooking.

Step 3

Remove the peppers from the ice water and drain on paper towels, patting the tops dry.

Step 4

Transfer the pepper slices to the drying rack of a food dehydrator and dry at 135 degrees Fahrenheit for six to eight hours or until the pepper slices are crisp.

Step 5

Cool the pepper slices and seal in a freezer bag. Store the dried peppers in a cool, dry place indefinitely.

Freezing

Step 1

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add whole, washed and dried jalapeno peppers to it.

Step 2

Boil the peppers for one minute.

Step 3

Pour the boiling water and jalapeno peppers through a colander and submerge the peppers into ice water to stop cooking. This blanching locks in the heat level by preventing the loss of capsicum from the peppers, according to Jean Andrews in "The Peppers Cookbook: 200 Recipes from the Pepper Lady's Kitchen."

Step 4

Dry the peppers with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.

Step 5

Freeze the peppers for two hours. Transfer the frozen peppers to resealable freezer bags, squeeze out the air and return to the freezer for up to one year.

Tip

Sterilize equipment for canning by running it through your dishwasher on the hottest setting or boiling the pieces for at least 10 minutes.

How Does Mulled Wine Taste Compared to Regular Wine?

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Mulled wine is a warm drink often consumed during holiday celebrations. It is often made with red wine, but other ingredients vary per recipe, including the use of white wine. The wine is simmered on very low heat for a short time with aromatic spices and fruit; some recipes even add sugar. Common mulled wine ingredients include:

  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves
  • Star anise
  • Apples
  • Orange zest
  • Cider
  • Brandy

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Telling the Difference

Many wines contain similar flavors to mulled wine. They can share fruity, tart, sweet and smoky notes; however, mulled wine's flavors are more robust due to the added ingredients. Mulled wine is almost always sweeter and fruitier in flavor due to both the added sugar and the fruit used to create the drink. Mulled wine is served at a warmer temperature than regular wine and also has a spiced quality that regular wine is missing.

The warmth of mulled wine really makes a difference, as some studies indicate tastes can be altered by differing temperatures. It turns out that while sweetness is not greatly affected when foods and drinks are heated, sourness and astringency are more pronounced when tasted at a warmer temperature. This may explain the types of ingredients found in mulled wine, with the sweet and spicy additives being used to counteract the intensified sour and astringent qualities of wine that has been warmed.

How to Make Cold Pressed Apple Juice

Fresh apple juice, or apple cider, can be made any time of year when apples are available, but is most commonly squeezed in the autumn when apples are plentiful. Cider and juice are made in the same way, with the only difference that apple juice is usually pressed and strained through a thinner mesh than cider. Depending on the content of the apples, which varies from year to year, the taste, sweetness and consistency of apple juice and cider can vary widely.

Things You\’ll Need

  • Funnel

  • Apples (20 Lb. Make 1 Gallon Juice)

  • Paper Coffee Filters, Cheesecloth Or Jelly Strainer (Optional)

  • Large Pot

  • Lemon Juice (Optional)

  • Empty, Clean Plastic Jugs

  • Mesh Bag

  • Apple Crusher

  • Apple Press

Step 1

Procure a mix of apple varieties. Apple juice tastes much better if sweet, tart and fragrant apples are mixed together. Yields can vary widely, but as a general guide, 20 lb. apples will yield a gallon of juice.

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Step 2

Wash the apples by running cold water over them and removing any dirt or other contaminants. Remove any obviously rotted or discolored parts of the apple. Be cautious when using "ground apples", or apples that have been picked up from the ground after falling from the tree as these will require extra cleaning to remove possible contaminants. Never use "ground apples" from an area where livestock graze. Check with your local health department for recommendations on cleaning "ground apples" in your area.

Step 3

Chop and mash the apples. For larger quantities, an apple chopper is the easiest method. For smaller quantities, you may use a food processor, meat grinder, or just cut the apples into very small cubes. Do not worry about stems, seeds or peels–they can all be included in the mash.

Step 4

Insert a mesh bag into the fruit press. Bags with larger diameters are used for cider, while a smaller mesh will product a more juice-like product. Place a large pot under the spout of the fruit press to catch the juice as it is pressed.

Step 5

Fill the fruit press with apple mash. Add 1 tbsp. lemon juice, if desired, to help reduce oxidation of the apple juice. Apples and apple juice, will react with oxygen and produce a brownish color. Lemon juice will lessen but will not eliminate this effect.

Step 6

Tighten the fruit press to begin the flow of juice. Keep tightening the press until the flow of juice comes to a halt, which takes approximately 10 minutes. The pressed mash can be composted, discarded or fed to local wildlife.

Step 7

If desired, apple juice can now be heated to remove any bacteria or pathogens. Your local health department can specify the exact time and temperature appropriate to your area. This is typically not done for cider as heat treating will affect the taste.

Step 8

If desired, the apple juice can now be filtered through a paper filter, cheese cloth or jelly bag to remove the pulp and solids which slipped through the mesh bag at pressing. This is typically not done for cider. It can take many hours per gallon to perform this operation.

Step 9

Pour the apple juice into plastic or glass containers. If you plan to freeze the juice, fill the containers three-fourths full, to allow room for expansion.

Step 10

If the apple juice has not been heated, it will keep in a refrigerator for one or two weeks before yeast naturally present in the juice starts the fermentation process.

Tip

If you live in an area with orchards, blemished apples are often available at greatly reduced cost. While these apples will have skin blemishes, they are fine for juicing.

Clean, unused plastic jugs are often available at local dairies.

Warning

While the acidity of apple cider makes it a low risk for E. coli contamination, there is some risk. Precautions can be taken to reduce this risk, but if you have health issues, check with your medical provider before consuming unpasteurized apple juice.

DIY "Bloody" Hot Dog Fingers

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Need some finger food for your Halloween party? Well, how about actual fingers?! These "bloody" hot dog fingers are perfect for your Halloween setup. Your guests won't be able to take their hands off these treats, or in this case, their fingers! With a few ingredients you can add these weenies to your assortment of Halloween party foods.

DIY "Bloody" Hot Dog Fingers

Things You\’ll Need

  • Hot dog wieners

  • Hot dog buns

  • Knife or scalpel

  • Ketchup

Finger Hot Dog Ingredients

Step 1

To carve the hot dogs into fingers, place uncooked hot dogs on a sturdy tray. Use your knife or scalpel to lightly carve an upside down U-shaped curve at the top of the hot dog, with a horizontal line at the bottom to create a fingernail effect. Remove the excess hot dog meat and now you have a fingernail!

Carving Fingernail

Step 2

Create knuckles by cutting two slits about an inch under the fingernail. Remove excess pieces of hot dog to finish the knuckle.

Then cut three more slits about 2 inches under the first knuckle slits and remove excess pieces to finish off the finger.

Finger Hot Dog

Repeat with the rest of the hot dogs.

Finger Hot Dogs

Step 3

Cook hot dogs on a skillet over medium heat until browned and thoroughly cooked.

Cooking Hot Dogs

Step 4

Place the finger wieners inside the hot dog buns.

Placing in bun

Step 5

Add ketchup to make the hot dogs look like bloody, chopped-off fingers.

Bloody Ketchup

Step 6

Serve and enjoy!

Bloody Hot Dog Fingers

Get ready to creep out your guests!

Finished Hot Dog Fingers

Cast Iron Skillet Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls

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Who doesn't love a classic cinnamon roll? These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, filled intensely with sweet cinnamon-y flavor and covered in a generous slathering of delicious cream cheese frosting. They're the perfect homemade sweet treat worth waking up for. So, break out your cast iron skillet and make them today by following this easy recipe!

These cinnamon rolls are the perfect breakfast treat!

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Things You\’ll Need

  • 8.5 ounces (250 millilitres) whole milk

  • 1 tablespoon (.6 ounce) (15 grams) instant dried yeast

  • 1.1 pounds (515 grams) all-purpose flour

  • 2.1 ounces (60 grams) granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 3 medium eggs

  • 4.2 ounces (120 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 7 ounces (200 grams) light brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten for the egg wash

  • 4.4 ounces (125 grams) powdered sugar

  • 1.8 ounces (50 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 2-4 tablespoons whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract

Step 1: Make Dough

Place the whole milk into a medium sized saucepan. Heat on medium-low until the milk is lukewarm in temperature. Remove from the heat and stir in the yeast until combined. Set the mixture aside to prove for 5 minutes.

Stir in the yeast until well combined.

Meanwhile, place the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar and salt into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 minute to combine.

Evenly combine the dry ingredients.

Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, about 1 minute. Add in the eggs. Increase the speed to medium and knead until it forms a rough ball around the dough hook, 3 minutes.

Add in the butter, a generous tablespoon at a time, until it is all incorporated. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and knead for a further 6 minutes, or until a very smooth, velvety, and soft dough has formed. Stop mixing. Cover the bowl with a layer of plastic wrap and set the dough aside to rise until it has doubled in size, 1 hour.

Leave the dough to rise until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make Filling

In a medium sized bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside until needed.

Combine the filling ingredients.

Step 3: Form & Bake Rolls

Line an 8-inch (20 centimetres) cast-iron skillet with non-stick parchment paper. Set aside.

Transfer the risen dough to a floured work surface. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out and into a rough rectangle, about ½-inch (1.3 centimetres) in thickness. Brush the melted butter over the top of the dough, then evenly spread over the cinnamon sugar filling.

Cover the dough evenly with the cinnamon sugar.

Starting with the longest edge, roll the dough into a tight log shape.

Tightly roll into a log shape.

Use a large knife or a dough cutter to cut the log into 1-inch (2.5 centimetres) slices.

Cut the dough into even slices.

Arrange the slices into the prepared cast-iron skillet. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise again for a further 30 minutes.

Neatly arrange the cinnamon rolls in the cast iron skillet.

Meanwhile, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Brush the cinnamon rolls with a little of the egg wash. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Make Frosting

Meanwhile, make the frosting. In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese and vanilla bean extract. Add in the milk and whisk to form desired consistency for the glaze. 2 tablespoons of milk will yield a thicker glaze and 4 tablespoons of milk will make it slightly thinner. Generously spread the frosting over the cinnamon rolls.

Cover the top of the cinnamon rolls with the cream cheese frosting.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Serve and enjoy the cinnamon rolls! They are best eaten warm on the day of making but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days or kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Re-heat before serving.

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and delicious.