Silver Lining.
When I discovered that I would not advance in Project Food Blog my mind reeled with a series of thoughts. The first of which I won't repeat here. But the second thing that came to mind was, well I guess I don't have to make those Cinnamon Buns anymore.
But really, why wouldn't I? I bought the pumpkin, pecans and maple syrup. I do still have a food blog right? Oh yeah, that didn't cease to exist when I got eliminated.
Sure maybe for a moment there I wanted to drown my sorrows in a vat of chocolate or order a fleet of pizzas for dinner. But I didn't. Instead I made the most delicious Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns. Let me tell you, it's hard to feel sorry for yourself with a mouthful of one of these lovelies.
So this would have been my eighth challenge entry to Project Food Blog. I probably would have said something a little more eloquent.
But at least now I don't have to feel so bad about using canned pumpkin instead of fresh.
A few of my new friends from Project Food Blog decided to share our pumpkin posts despite our recent exclusion from the contest. They've concocted some amazing pumpkin recipes. You should visit and remind them that they are all winners.
Asha from Fork Spoon Knife
Heena from Tiffin Tales
Josie from Daydreamer Desserts
Liren from Kitchen Confidante
Winnie from Healthy Green Kitchen
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
Makes 9 large buns.
Source: Adapted from several different recipes.
1/4 cup warm water
2 tsp instant yeast
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp cloves
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 – 2 cup powdered sugar
In a large bowl add the yeast to the warm water and let it soften for about 5 minutes. Next add the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, butter, 1 1/2 cups flour, brown sugar and salt then mix it all in with the paddle attachment. Gradually add the rest of the flour until you have a dough stiff enough to knead.
Switch to the hook attachment and knead the dough until it forms a smooth elastic ball, about 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and turn it to ensure it's covered in oil. Cover it with a damp tea towel and let it rise until it's doubled, about 1 – 1 1/2 hours.
In a small bowl combine the filling ingredients. Whisk together the spices and brown sugar then cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two knives.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees a position a rack in the middle. Butter a 9 inch square baking pan then fit the bottom with a piece of parchment paper and butter the paper as well then set it aside.
Once the dough has risen transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 21 inches long and 16 inches wide. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the rolled dough then add the chopped pecans. Starting at the long side of the rectangle roll the dough down to the bottom edge. Using a sharp knife divide the log into 9 pieces and set them in the prepared baking pan making sure to evenly space them.
Let the rolls rise for another hour until they've doubled again. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they're golden brown. Let them cool in the pan while you prepare the icing.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer blend together the cream cheese, maple syrup and powdered sugar until you get your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to keep it's shape but thin enough to drizzle over the rolls.
Individually release the buns from the pan and liberally crisscross the still warm buns with the icing. Enjoy!
November 23rd, 2010 - 11:00
That’s the stuff is right! Your cinnamon buns rock! I loved all of your entries in the contest and will happily continue to follow your terrific blog Lindsay!
November 23rd, 2010 - 11:09
Thanks Winnie! Right back at ya!
November 23rd, 2010 - 11:56
We are all winners in my book! Wonderful choice of recipe, your pics are mouthwatering!
November 23rd, 2010 - 13:38
So glad you posted anyway!!
November 23rd, 2010 - 14:36
Those buns look lovely !!! I would love to try them !!!! Good for you….a contest should not discourage you !!!
Un gran beso,
Cristina
November 23rd, 2010 - 14:49
Thanks Cristina!
November 23rd, 2010 - 15:03
Yum! And a bonus for us…we didn’t have to wait for the next challenge to get this recipe.
Can’t wait to try it.
November 23rd, 2010 - 15:47
Wow, these look amazing! Way better than what I’ve been cooking up for the challenge. Thanks for not holding these back from us!
November 23rd, 2010 - 19:47
Thanks Annalise! I’m totally looking forward to your entry.
November 23rd, 2010 - 17:14
I was so sad to see you out of the competition but I’m really happy to decide to still make this buns. Life goes on and this is a wonderful way to move forward
November 23rd, 2010 - 19:49
Thanks Sara! Life sure does go on especially when you have cinnamon buns!
November 23rd, 2010 - 17:51
I’m so glad to see you still made these cinnamon buns…they look delicious and like the perfect pick me up!
November 23rd, 2010 - 17:58
These look awesome. Making them was definitely the right call!
November 23rd, 2010 - 18:33
Sad to see you out of the competition too but glad I discovered your blog through PFB. I’ll keep following contest or not!
November 23rd, 2010 - 19:09
Silver lining is right! Lindsey, I’m so glad to have gone through PFB with you and such a talented group of bloggers. It’s been amazing and I have become such a happy follower of yours. I have been searching and searching for a lovely Cinnamon Bun recipe, and I can’t wait to try yours!
November 23rd, 2010 - 19:40
Thanks Liren! I couldn’t have asked for better company! I hope you like the cinnamon buns as much as we did!
November 24th, 2010 - 06:28
I was with you and voting for you all the way, but I like your positive attitude. As for the rolls, how do you make baking look so easy? Amazing photos, as usual.
November 24th, 2010 - 09:39
To answer your question: lots and lots of time and mild obsessive compulsive disorder.
November 24th, 2010 - 08:10
Way to go girl!!! these buns look awesome!!! ah! well. PFB’s loss.. still our gain
Coz I got to know you through this contest and that’s more important than anything else!! 
)
November 24th, 2010 - 10:14
Oh, this dish looks fabulous! I love the picture too! If you’re interested, you should submit it to Recipe4Living’s Tasty Thanksgiving Recipe Contest
November 24th, 2010 - 11:26
hope you are feeling better my favourite cinnamon buns
I make similar
http://torviewtoronto.blogspot.com/2010/01/january-22nd-2010.html
regards
November 24th, 2010 - 11:50
Just, beautiful Lindsay! Those look delicious and perfect.
I can’t believe all the people I voted for didn’t advance to round 8. NOT ONE. What’s up with that? Very, very surprised with the results. But the fact remains – you’re still a rock-star baker.
November 24th, 2010 - 11:55
Thanks Heather! It was a pretty surprising round what with half the competitors being eliminated. I appreciate your support nonetheless!
November 24th, 2010 - 19:58
Lindsey: you are as sweet as these buns! Loved getting to know you and look forward to many shared culinary times. Miss ya! Amelia
November 25th, 2010 - 08:22
Thanks Amelia, you sweetheart you!
November 25th, 2010 - 09:22
Mmmm… pumpkin cinnamon buns. I have a similar recipe that I’ve made every single fall without fail for the past few years. Mine doesn’t have maple or pecans, though, which sounds like a fabulous combination!
So glad that you went ahead and posted this, despite being out of the competition. Challenge entry or not, this is a recipe worth sharing.
November 25th, 2010 - 09:28
Thanks lady! I look forward to seeing your pumpkin post!
November 25th, 2010 - 09:44
“Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He’s gotta pick this one.” – Linus
You have my vote!!! What? The judges have eliminated you? Silly judges. Now they don’t get the exclusive on your interview with the Great Pumpkin
November 27th, 2010 - 20:41
I don’t know what project food blog is, but I can appreciate is these amazing pumpkin cinnamon buns regardless. If you bake food like this you’ve already won! (I’m trying them this weekend)
November 28th, 2010 - 11:12
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them too!
November 28th, 2010 - 07:43
I always tell myself I’m going to make cinnamon buns and then I never do. Really glad you made these and really glad to have met you through the competition. It is definitely not the same without you.
November 28th, 2010 - 21:09
Hi Lindsey – LOVE your attitude, and the buns look awesome!
LL