Food makes a wonderful gift. It's one of the reasons potlucks are so popular - it gives people the opportunity to share recipes, collectively serve one another and, of course, fill our bellies and hearts. I often think about my grandma Dora when it comes to cooking for others. It was indeed a gift from God. It was her gift, and it was a gift to everyone who had the joy of consuming. I'm reminded that she used to make pecan rolls, caramel rolls, cinnamon rolls, etc. to give out to families at Christmas time. My dad once told me she would have the whole house smelling of yeast and homemade, fresh goodness that nearly made you pass out upon walking in. He would then get the duty - as an early teen - to drive around town delivering them. I often wonder if he took joy in the opportunity to deliver her hand-made generosity to others or if he viewed it as a chore. What better way to show that you care than to do something that requires your own time?!?! I grew up enjoying those wonderful pastries. Yet, when she passed, gone with her was a that gift I didn't appreciate nearly enough until it was long gone. I found one of her recipes - for "Quick Butter Fluffs" - in a cook book that was collaboratively made by the ladies of her church (many years ago). In her recipe, she noted the dough also makes good cinnamon rolls. And yes, a light went off. I Had to try it myself. I found that the recipe doesn't just make "good" cinnamon rolls.

It makes AMAZING classic cinnamon rolls.

There are many recipes out there for cinnamon rolls and they are not that difficult to pull off. Grandma Dora's are a little tricky, because they won't rise if you use an electronic mixer. I realized that after about 4-5 failures. In the spirit of my grandma Dora, I decided to make them for a church breakfast potluck a couple of years back. My daughters joined in the fun as we rolled the dough, spread on the butter and cinnamon mixture, rolled the dough into a log and cut each individual roll from it. We baked the goodies and took a lot of pride in our small victory. We joined together around the kitchen island - along with their mom - and enjoyed our freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Stella summed up what we all were feeling and thinking quite succinctly after taking a big bite from her's and stating, "Oh yeah! That's classic!"

 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ~ John 21:12

Indeed. That moment with my family, and knowing that my grandmother lives on through my service in sharing her recipe and our tiny victory with our church family is a feeling that really is nothing less than classic.

Note: This was originally posted September 22, 2012. Updated 4/22/2015