Happy Anniversary to Preheating the Oven Chicago

Was it only a year ago that I started this blog?  Indeed it was...April 16th marks the one year anniversary of my favorite blog and yours...Preheating the Oven Chicago.  Ok, so maybe it isn't quite your favorite blog, but maybe you've at least had a little bit of fun reading it.

So much can happen in a year.  Such a statement has never been so true in my life.  I started this blog as someone struggling with infertility.  I was frustrated over years of trying to conceive and I needed an outlet.  Not only that, but I wanted other women to know that they weren't alone.  This blog has been an amazing way to connect with people and I am hopeful that I can continue to do so. 

This year also marks the amazing miracle of our little baby.  Never have I been more grateful in my life than for this ultimate gift.  Every doctor's visit I am in awe and my eyes fill with tears when I hear that strong little heart beat.  I live my life for that little miracle now.

This year I have also gained some new insight on life.  I have learned to relax more and enjoy my life.  I have tried to let go of the stress and worry and replace it with things that make me happy.  I have come to the conclusion that I cannot make everyone happy all of the time even if I want to.  I am a better, more well-adjusted person because of all of things I have experienced this past year.

With that being said, it only seems right to toast this special day.  (Is it weird to toast yourself?  Probably, but I'm going to do it anyway.) So everyone, raise your glass of water....Here's to the one year anniversary of Preheating the Oven Chicago!  And here's to many more blogs filled with recipes, health tips, cooking tips, baby info and of course, random thoughts by yours truly!!!

Dreaming of Cinnamon Rolls

It was all I could think of for two weeks...cinnamon rolls!  The thought of the warm, sticky, cinnamony, yeasty goodness couldn't escape me.  Oh sure, I thought about going to some local bakery to get one, but I stopped myself every time. I kept thinking, "Why should I go buy one when I can make them myself?"  Hind sight is 20/20 here, but at the time, it seemed perfectly logical that I should make my own.  Realistically, I probably would've enjoyed a local bakery's rendition just fine. 

But I was craving a childhood memory.  One of a pull-apart cinnamon roll from my mom's favorite haunt...MCL Cafeteria.  Sure, it's a cafeteria, but boy, do they have good food.  In particular their macaroni and cheese, their green beans, their yeast rolls and of course, their cinnamon roll.  Oh my gosh.  If I had the time and energy, I would've driven myself right down there to get one.

So, for the sake of time and energy (and sanity), I made it my mission to make my own.  Ironically, the April 2012 issue of Bon Appetit happened to feature my craving right smack dab on the cover! 

Bon Appetit's Ultimate Sticky Buns (photo from bonapetit.com)

I mean, look at those things!  How can you NOT want one?

So, I made them...well, not exactly like the ones in the picture.  I wanted a simpler, less calorically destructive version.  It was easy to do.  I made the dough recipe as called for and then just added the cinnamon-suger filling (using only half the butter in the filling).  None of the gooey stuff for me, but still very delicious!

For the recipe, see this link: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/04/the-ultimate-sticky-buns

The dough

Ready for rollin'

Yum...cinnamon and sugar...and BUTTER!

Not the best rolling job...oh well.

Cute...although slightly imperfect...let's call them "rustic"

Ready for the oven

Oh boy!

Ready for eating!