cinnamon rolls

The holidays are a time for serious indulgence, and I like to end my indulgence on a sweet note before I worry about all those pesky New Year's resolutions. If you're hosting a happy New Year brunch or just want to have a few friends over for breakfast, bake up a batch of these honey-drizzled sticky buns. Made with cool-rise dough filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and pecans, these sweet treats will decadently conclude your holiday celebrations and start 2009 on a high note.

My mom whipped up the recipe, which comes from a family friend, as a Christmas morning treat, so if you can't stand to eat another bite this holiday season, just bookmark it for next year. (It would make a great edible gift.) To get the instructions, read more

Inviting friends and neighbors over to your house for an open house brunch the morning of Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to express your thanks and gratitude. Clean your house and set the brunch out buffet style on a large table. Keep decorations simple with fresh flowers and Thanksgiving themes. For drinks, have lots of coffee, tea, and orange juice.

Besides offering a variety of savory brunch dishes, include one sweet dish on the menu. The scent of homemade cinnamon rolls will have guests smiling from the moment they arrive. If you don't have time, purchase the buns; if you do have time, go all out with a homemade version. For the recipe, read more