i'd rather be baking

1.  It’s been raining in Portland for approximately 27 days straight. We had a few clear hours this morning and I couldn’t figure out why I suddenly felt so much more cheerful. My crazy brain is turning on its end…and I keep thinking to myself (broken record style), it’s fine, it’s totally fine. Dear sunshine, please come back soon.

2.  I started a new work gig last week and it’s unbelievably cool. But I’m still a little confused about what day it is. It’s a good thing (it’s fine, it’s totally fine).

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So, I made cinnamon rolls almost exactly this time last year. I guess my brain craves cinnamon come cold weather and dreary skies. Those cinnamon rolls were good, but these are (without a question) so, so much better. They’re the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had. I don’t say that lightly.

Kyong Millar, the sweet owner of my favorite boutique in Salt Lake City, graciously shared this recipe with me a few months ago, and I finally made it when we had some friends visiting just before Christmas. I couldn’t believe how good they were — satiny soft pastry wrapped around rich filling with the perfect vanilla-infused glaze on top. I dreamed about these cinnamon rolls for the next month until I had a chance to make them again and people, they are still so dang good.

This time around, I decided to make a half-batch of rolls, and made little miniature cinnamon rolls rather than big full-sized ones. Some late-night crazy brain and over-zealous dough rolling may have gone into that decision…but I’m totally happy with it! If mini cinnamon rolls means I can eat twice as many, I’m down.

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Oh, January: you’re a tough nut to crack. Do any of you love January? Please tell me your secrets. I’m just not a fan. It’s cold and dreary out; I’m staying in and cozy.

cozy candles on the mantle

apple bread mix: a christmas gift from my grandma

apple breads cooling, late afternoon light

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I got hit with the cookie cravings last week. And the week before that, let’s be honest. Sometimes you’ve just got to let the craving guide you. Maybe there’s a cookie deficiency…in your brain?

I know it’s January. I know people are all preoccupied with resolutions and the almighty diet — I don’t know if there’s a word I hate more. I don’t want to talk about it. There is still room in your life for cookies! And if there’s not, you may need to make some adjustments. Here’s a resolution for you: make more cookies.

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I’d like to thank my compromised immune system for the creation of this soup. Or something like that.

I’ve never been a big fan of soup in general, but once in awhile when I’m really sick, it actually sounds good. My sweet husband made multiple trips to the grocery store for me last week, but the most important one was for soup supplies. I had a craving! And the very first bite of this soup actually made me feel better. At least in my mind.

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