Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin Icing

So the other day Todd tells me that he wants to make a snack for "Boss's Day"...and by snack he tells me, "I mean treat." And by him...he means, me. Okay, that's only sort of true. He's a pretty darn good kitchen helper. Bringing something to a non-vegan food fest is really your chance to say, "See? I eat real food. Good food! Delicious food. And it doesn't have to have any animal products in it." But mostly it's a cry of, "See? I'm not a weirdo! Everyone all up in this joint asking me for the recipe and I'm the weirdo. Yeah, riiight. Hah!" Well, at least that's how it goes for me anyway. Somehow I still end up the weirdo, but I'm certain that's due to my unmistakable discomfort in all social situations. I'm off track. Anyways, I pondered and pondered about what I could make that: A) I wouldn't have to go the store for to get some random ingredients and B) omnivores would enjoy, wholeheartedly.

I came up with cinnamon rolls. This is a pretty strange idea for me for several reasons. One being that most people buy cinnamon rolls from the store (I think). Two, I certainly had never made them before (case in point about my ignorance regarding cinnamon roll acquiring). The third reason, I had to learn the hard way. It's that after making fresh cinnamon rolls...you really, really don't want to part with them. I'm mean, just look at the them! Gah! 

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingThese easy rolls are layered with pumpkin pie spice instead of regular ol' cinnamon and the Autumnal (yea it's a word) icing is infused with pumpkin puree and topped with finishing salt. Oh so snobby! After Todd and I split one, I turned to him and said, "Well that was one of the dumbest things I've ever done." Next time I think I'll just make cookies or something...

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin Icing

Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin Icing

Inspired By Minimalist Baker

Makes 9 rolls

  • --For The Rolls--
  • 1 cup vanilla coconut milk (carton, I like Silk)
  • 3 Tbsp vegan butter
  • 1 instant yeast packet
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 Tbsp. vegan sugar
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 5 Tbsp. vegan butter, melted
  • 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/3 cup vegan sugar
  • --For The Icing--
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. Kahlua or vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
  • 2 Tbsp. vanilla coconut milk (carton)
  • 3 Tbsp. pumpkin puree 
  • sprinkle of salt
  • flake salt to top (finishing salt) - optional

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and the butter together until the butter has melted and the it has reached 110 F. Do not let it boil. The milk should be about a warm bathwater temperature. If it gets too hot, allow it to cool slightly or it will kill the yeast. When the milk is 110 F, transfer to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top of the milk (do not stir) and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Then, add in the salt and 1 Tbsp. of sugar and stir gently to incorporate. 

Now, add in the flour in six steps, never stirring too much. Once combined, lightly flour a work surface and knead the dough a few times until it becomes a round ball. Wash out that large mixing bowl, dry it, and then coat with a small amount of grapeseed or canola oil. Place the ball of dough in the bowl, cover with saran wrap and place in a warm area to rest for 1 hour. It should double in size. 

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Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingLightly flour your work surface again and when the dough is done rising, punch it down once or twice and then roll it out into a large, medium-thin rectangle. 

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingBrush evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle on the pumpkin pie spice, followed by the sugar. Make sure it's scattered evenly across the entire rectangle. 

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingCoat a 8 in. x 8 in. clear baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. Wait to preheat oven. Gently and evenly roll up the dough into a long log.

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingUsing a serrated knife, gently cut it into 9 even slices. Then, place each slice into the greased baking dish and cover with saran wrap. Okay, now preheat the the oven to 350 F and place the dish on that spot on your stove where the heat from the oven likes to emit. It's where I have exploded a can of Pam, and most recently where Todd melted a purple onion shaped onion keeper. You know the spot. Let the dish sit there while the oven preheats.

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingOnce the oven has reached temperature, unwrap the dish and place in the oven to bake for about 25 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are just barely golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before glazing. 

To whip up the icing, combine everything excluding the flake salt in a small bowl or pyrex measuring cup and whisk well to incorporate. Add more milk as is needed.

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingIf the icing begins to harden by the time the cinnamon rolls are ready, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Drizzle over the cinnamon rolls and finish with flake salt.

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin IcingEnjoy! Horde them all yourself or be super nice and share like I did.

Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin Icing Produce On Parade - Spiced Cinnamon Rolls + Pumpkin Icing

 I'm totally listening to my beloved Zee Avi – Honey Bee

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Photo An Hour, Alaskan Style

I always love it when my favorite bloggers post little blurbs or photos from their life. Especially when it's non-food related. It's kind of like a friendly invitation to take a glimpse into their life. So, I finally decided to do my own! I have to say that my life isn't terribly exciting, but that happens to be how I like it. I heard that the French literally devote large chunks of time to doing absolutely nothing but just chillin'. Any French readers that can attest to this? I don't know, it was just something I read. It was probably on Pinterest...which of course means it's completely factual.  

Anyways, I had Columbus Day Family Wellness Day (that's what the foundation I work for calls it) off from work and so I thought it'd be the perfect day to do my "Photo An Hour" post. So, without any further babbling, here we go!

Photo An Hour, Alaskan Style

7:00 AM - Snug as a bug in a rug! A little early for my day off, but...oh well!

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour8:00 AM - Watching Bones...my favorite! 

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour9:00 AM - Reading The Snow Child and trying to stay in bed as long as possible. Bob is too. And yes, he sleeps on a memory foam bed with a quilt (that I bought for our bed) on top and two king size pillows (also ours) on top of that! He's such a princess. And yes, he sleeps like he has rigor mortis...

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour10:00 AM - Dishes. Blah! I got a clean kitchen out of it though, and that's always a good way to start the day. Also, that is my kitchen in it's entirety. Yes, I am completely serious. When the fridge door is open, it hits right smack in the middle of the sink, creating a half wall. We need to build, STAT...

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour11:00 AM - Breakfast/Lunch/Recipe Development. Also, spice cabinet organization (not pictured). Todd left me with the baby camera and the zoom lens...thanks, Todd! Not. Hehe.

Produce On Parade - Photo An HourNoon - Laundry time with Bob. He's not a great helper, though he doesn't seem to mind being a table for my stacks of laundry...

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour1:00 PM - Running in the leaves with Bob and Cooper (Bob's BFF), who I was puppy-sitting for the day. 

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour2:00 PM - ...still running...it was a looong run! So pretty though.

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour3:00 PM - Break time! Which, obviously means another Bones. Don't judge me! That show is legit. 

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour4:00 PM - Snack time and more reading. Half an apple, hummus, snap peas and pita chips. Also, I highly recommend reading The Snow Child. A National Bestseller, written by a gal from my hometown! 

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour5:00 PM - Tea, reading, and Chopin. Also, a visit from my BFF (Cooper's Mom).

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour6:00 PM - My true love is home from work, finally! Talking about each other's day. I would like to dedicate this time to point out that Todd never wears a cut-off...I swear we don't live in a trailer or a redneck igloo! Truthfully though, I don't mind it so much...

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour7:00 PM - Din din and creating my High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrap. Nevermind the gang of squash. 

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour, Alaskan Style 8:00 PM - Roughhousing. Boys will be boys...

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour, Alaskan Style 9:00 PM - Treat yo' self! The nail polish is named "Classy"...obviously, just like moi.  

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour, Alaskan Style 10:00 PM - Goodnight! Thanks for taking a peek into our little life!

Produce On Parade - Photo An Hour, Alaskan Style

If you enjoyed these photos make sure to like Produce On Parade on Facebook, where the majority of Todd and myself, puppies, adventures and life in Alaska pictures are posted. Our Facebook link is above in the right sided column. 

Cheers!

High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrap

So, there's like one vegan friendly place in Alaska. What do I mean by "vegan-friendly"? Well, for me it means that there are at least three options that are clearly marked as vegan. There is regrettably, only one place that I know of within 60 miles of my home. Sad face. It's a little place in Anchorage that I'd heard a lot about but had never been to. Well, last week I finally got to go! My favorite thing I tried was their veggie wrap. I thought I'd try to recreate it myself (veggie wraps are so quick and easy) and below is my imposter veggie wrap! It's so delicious and healthy, filled with veggies, greek hummus and protein-packed tempeh! I hope you enjoy it! 

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrap

High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrap

Inspired by my favorite wrap from a local restaurant

Makes 1 large wrap

  • 1 8 oz. block of tempeh (use 1/4 per wrap)
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 large (burrito size) flour tortilla
  • 1/8-1/4 cup of greek style hummus (or your favorite)
  • 1 handful of clover sprouts
  • 3 Tbsp. black olives, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. yellow onion, minced
  • 1 large lettuce leaf

Cut an 8 oz. block of tempeh into eight strips. You'll only need two per wrap. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the tempeh strips and allow to cook on one side until browned, about 5 minutes. Then flip, and brown on the other side. If you have time, you can marinade the tempeh in a ziplock bag with sesame oil and soy sauce for about an hour, but I was in a hurry so I just used plain tempeh. Once browned, remove from pan and set aside for later. 

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie WrapWhile the tempeh browns, chop up all the veggies. 

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie WrapPlace one large flour tortilla in the tempeh pan and over low heat allow to cook for about one or two minutes. While in the pan, spread the hummus in the center of the tortilla. You want to strengthen the tortilla, but not to the point where it will get crispy and crack when wrapped up. 

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie WrapRemove from heat and add the sprouts, olives, tomatoes, onion and lettuce in the center of the wrap, then top with two to four strips of tempeh. 

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie WrapFold in the left and right sides of the tortilla, then while gently holding them in place, fold the side of the tortilla closest to you up and away from you.

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrap wraProduce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrapp3 Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie WrapSlice on the diagonal and serve! 

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrap

Produce On Parade - High Protein Vegan Veggie Wrap

I know there is salsa pictured. Just ignore it. I had breakfast burritos on my brain, okay? My mistake. Stupid brain!

Listening to Leftover Cuties – One Heart

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