{monkey bread}

This week...    MONKEY BREAD ::  

(recipe from :: Rachael Ray)



1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled 3 T mape syrup 1/3 C plus 2 T granulated sugar 1/3 C brown sugar 1 T ground cinnamon 2 C flour 1 T baking poder 1/2 t salt 3/4 C buttermilk, chilled*



Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 425. In a small bowl, microwave 4 T butter and the maple syrup on high till melted (about 45 seconds). In a small bowl, stir together 1/3C granulated sugar, the brown sugar and the cinnamon.  In a food processor, combine the flour, baking powder, the remaining 2 T granulated sugar and the salt; pulse to combine. Cut the remaining 1 stick chilled butter into small pieces and pulse w/ the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. Pulse in the buttermilk until the dough just comes together. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface; pat into a 10 inch square (the dough will be sticky!!). !uarter the dough, then cut each quarter int 16 equal pieces; roll into balls.



Dip each ball in the maple butter, then coat iwht the sugar mixture. Place 5-6 coated balls into each muffin cup and press to compact.



Bake unitl cooked through and golden, 15-17 minutes. (Tent w/ foil if tops darken too quickly.) Transfer pan to a rack to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen sides and invert...turn right side up. Serve warm!



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Ok - that was the recipe. I followed it exact (until I got bored of it). I'll have to go back and follow it again. But, my version worked. Tasted good at least, but most fell apart.



I've never had monkey bread before! Is that weird? It's soooo yummy. It actually reminds me of coffee cake. (Well, the kind my sisters and I bake.)



Either way - you should try this! So good. Top each with some sweetness :: stir together 1 cup confectioners' sugar and 2 T milk and drizzle over top. (I didn't but the recipe does suggest it.) Oh - and if you don't have buttermilk on hand - do what I did :: add vinegar or lemon or creme of tarter to milk! Let it sit 5 minutes and then use.



HAPPY DAY!