Ask the chef: Send in your questions about food, recipes, storage, preparing and other topics to Bridget McNabb at ChefDotte@gmail.com.
Winter has shown us its colors in the form of two massive snow storms.
I am not one who goes shopping crazy when a storm is predicted, but I will go get a dozen eggs, loaf of bread and some milk just to have on hand if I get into a crazy cooking mood. After the first storm we did fine but when I went to the store before the second storm, I was shocked to see the half-empty shelves.
Yes, the store has trouble getting supplies after a storm but there was only one style of bread left on the shelves and a few buns. This was not a small store. This made me head to the frozen foods section. I found five loaves of bread dough for $3.99. We all like fresh baked bread but most do not have the time in our normal day.
People do not understand how forgiving frozen bread dough can be. You can take a loaf out of the freezer before you leave for work, spray dough with Pam and spray the pan also. Place dough in the pan and put it in your oven (do not turn the oven on) and leave for work. When you get home the bread will be ready to bake according to the directions on the bag.
Fresh-baked bread on a week night. How great is that? You can also make some great cinnamon rolls with this dough.
Bridget McNabb has lived in Wyandotte County for 25 years. She has raised three lovely daughters that have given her some wonderful grandchildren to spoil. She has attended college and obtained three degrees. Her greatest degree, she says, is raising her children in a loving, nurturing home even when times were tough. She currently works at Johnson County Community College in the Hospitality Management Program Department. She loves watching the students learn to create great food and the chefs that teach them. With her husband Jay and their dog Bailey, they enjoy visits with friends and family around their large table over a good meal.
Easy overnight cinnamon rolls
Take dough out of the freezer, cover and put in the refrigerator while you are at work.
After dinner, roll out dough to 8 x 18 inch rectangle.
Spread with soft butter to about ½ inch from edges.
Mix ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and one cup of chopped nuts or raisins together in a bowl.
Spread mixture over the buttered dough. Start rolling from the long side all the way across to the other and then pinch dough together. With a serrated knife cut into 18 even rolls. Place rolls on their side in a 9 x 13 pan that has been buttered. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
When you get up in the morning, set the pan out for 30 minutes while oven is heating to 350 degrees. Bake until golden brown on top and rolls are firm to the touch. Allow to set for 5 minutes, then eat. Top with your favorite sugar glaze or eat them just as they are. It’s a wonderful way to start the day or to have with your chili for dinner.