Sticky Buns

We're going over to Michelle's tonight for farewell drinks.  She's moving back to HK.  Boo hoo. I made cinnamon sticky buns for everyone.  Bandie Wandie and I had some before going over to her house.  As usual, Bandie Wandie was quite bitter and said the buns were a bit too dry.  He is definitely reallllyyy picky, but it's ok, I AM trying to perfect foodie the Bandie Wandie way.

I started making the dough last night since it takes a while to make.  

You have to let the dough rise...

Pics of before rise and after rise.

Pics of rolled out dough with cinnamon/butter on top and rolled out cut out dough.

The Recipe:

Dough:

1/4 cup warm water (about 42 c)

1 package yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

1/3 cup sugar 3/4 cup milk

4 tablespoons butter

3 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups all purpose flour 

Filling: 

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

4 tablespoons butter

Topping:

3/4 cup brown sugar

4 tablespoons of butter

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon corn syrup

1 1/2 cup of pecans or walnuts (I used walnuts since I couldn't find pecans)

1) In a bowl combine warm water, yeast and sugar.  Let it sit until foamy.  5-10 min.  If it doesn't get foamy, throw it out.  The yeast is too old!

2) Add milk, butter, sugar, egg yolks, salt, 3 cups of flour. Mix well, add 1 cup of flour and mix again.

Knead the mixture for 5-10 min until smooth.

Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with wrap and let it sit in a warm place for 1-2 hours.

Punch down after dough doubles in size and let it sit on a floured surface for 20 min. (don't forget this step, this is the bench time)

3) Make filling.  Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Melt the bowl.  Keep them separate.

4) Roll dough out 30cm x 45 cm rectangle.  Brush the melted butter and sprinkle on cinnamon sugar mixture.  Starting with the long side, roll the dough.  Cut into 10-15 slices.  

5) Make topping.  In a saucepan combine brown sugar, butter, honey, corn syrup over low heat, stir until melted.

Pour in a rectangular pan and sprinkle with the walnuts.  Place the dough slices, flat side down on top of pan.  Cover with wrap and put in fridge overnight.

6) Remove pan from fridge and let it stand at room temperature for 15 min.  Preheat oven to 180 c and bake for 30min.  Remove pan from the oven and immediately invert onto baking dish.  (Be careful it's hot!)