A sweet tradition

I love traditions, I think everyone does. Over the years I wanted to make some of our own traditions for my family as I grew up and got married.  Ever since I married my husband, which has been 12 years,  I’ve laid down a few personal traditions of our own.  Like giving my husband chocolate in his stocking each year,  reading the story of Jesus’ birth before Christmas breakfast, and having pancakes every Saturday.

One of my simple favourite traditions  is making homemade cinnamon buns for Christmas morning!  I personally love this tradition….. simply because II think they are the best treat in the world! Even before the children came along I loved  the  smell of sweet cinnamon buns baking in the oven early on Christmas morning ….it made my heart happy.  Now that the little ones are here, they look forward to them as well, almost as much as opening their stockings.

Well, as much as I LOVE cinnamon buns, I’ve had to change a few things and look for an alternate recipe.   For a few years now, my daughter and I have been on a wheat free diet for  wheat intolerance,  and how many of you know that good and gooey cinnamon buns are NOT wheat free.    So,  I made this recipe up, and it turned out incredible!.   The whole family ate them up, complimented them and no one missed the other dough.   I was pretty pumped that everyone could enjoy a healthier version of the cinnamon bun we all love! And may I add  It also  includes a luscious cream cheese icing.

This recipe can be done 2 ways:

1. Wheat free / yeast free
2. Gluten, dairy and yeast free

I will put the alternatives and options down also.   So, here it is!

• 2 Cups of Brown rice flour
• 1 1/2 Cups spelt flour  (switch this to quinoa or another GF flour for gluten free)
• 1  xanthum gum
• 2 tsp baking powder
• dash of salt
• 1/2 Cup sugar cane or sucanut
• 3/4 Cup of butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 Cup of milk (change this to almond or coconut milk for DF)

Filling:

• 1 Cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2-3 tsp cinnamon

Icing:

• 1 pkg cream cheese (or alternate dairy free cheese)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1-2 Cups of confectioners sugar (depending on how sweet you want it)

Preheat oven to 350′.   In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together with a whisk.  Then, add the remaining wet ingredients for the dough. Combine together.  If dough is sticky, add some more flour, a tablespoon at a time until it’s smooth and easy to handle. Roll out on flat surface until desired thickness. Spread filling over entire dough, and then start rolling from one end to the other.  Cut into 2 inch thick pieces and placed in greased casserole dish.  Bake for about 25 mins until they are golden in color.                                             While they are baking,  make the icing.  Beat all ingredients together until well mixed.  Add more or less icing sugar for your desired consistency.                                                      After the buns are done, let them cool, and then put the icing on.  Can we say Yummmmy!

More recipes like this in the weeks to come!