Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Currant & Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

You’ll need a medium-sized ziplock-type container to start this in. Easy to double/triple the batches as well. The longer you can let this mixture soak, the better it is. You’ll need to pick up a package of pre-made puff pastry in your local grocery store freezer section. I really like the Presidents Choice Butter puff pastry. If you know what you’re doing and you’re really confident, make your own.

1 c        Currants (or raisins)
.5 c       Pecans (crushed up)
1 small bottle of Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum (about an ounce)
1 small bottle of Cinnamon Schnapps (about an ounce)
1 tbsp    Cinnamon
.25 tsp  Powdered ginger
2 tbsp    Brown (or white) sugar

Once you’ve mixed everything together, let it soak as long as possible as you’ll want the liquid to reconstitute the currants and be absorbed by the pecans as well. I let mine sit for almost a week, stirring it a couple times a day.

When you’re ready to get things rolling ensure about ½ cup of butter is at room temperature and you have at least one sheet of the puff pastry thawed and ready to go – double batch, use both/two. Set the oven to 375F to preheat.

Unroll the pastry onto a clean, dry surface and separate it from the parchment, top-side down (drier side actually so it won’t stick to the counter). Carefully spoon the mixture on to the pastry working from edge to edge but leave about 1” closest to you untouched. It’ll be about 1/8” thick when completely spread out. Take a long (chef’s) knife and cut about ¼” butter and place it near the leading edge of the mixture. Repeat this about three or four more times so you have a strip of butter running from side to side.

When you’re ready to roll it up, pull the side closest to you and “wrap” it over the top of the butter & mixture. Carefully & slowly starting at one end, start rolling it all up. Start with left and work to the right or vice versa then give it another roll until it’s all done. When it’s rolled into a “log” form, cut it into 2” to 2.5” pieces and place cut side down on the baking sheet.

 











Put it in your 375F oven for 30 minutes. If you’re doing a double batch, do them one after another.

You can put whatever type of frosting or topping on it you like. I might recommend something slightly salty though. Happy snacking!

Peace & Love