Welcome to #Brunchweek 2016: the Home of Great Recipes and Fun Giveaways

Welcome to the fourth annual #BrunchWeek hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. We are so excited to have you join us this year as we celebrate Brunch and prepare for Mother's Day. 37 Bloggers from around the country will showcase their best brunch dishes, from cocktails to cakes, breakfast breads, tarts, and quiche - there is something for everyone! Our amazing Sponsors have donated some great prizes for the #BrunchWeek giveaway. Thank you so much, Sponsors, for your generosity. We have an incredible giveaway below and we’d love if you would take a moment to read about it and what you can win!

I am so excited to be joining in the fun again this year.  Our sponsors outdid themselves as you will see as we showcase all of their amazing products.  Speaking of Sponsors I would like to send out a big thank you to the following #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Red Star Yeast, Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Vidalia Onion Committee, Sage Fruits, Nielsen-Massey, KitchenIQ, and Le Creuset for providing the prizes free of charge. You will be able to enter to win these prizes by entering into the raffle at the bottom of this post.

To celebrate the first day of Brunch Week, I made these amazing Italian Sweet Rolls that I got from Emily of Life on Food.  I made the recipe as Emily had posted with very slight variations.  The first variation was that I added some orange extract that I had gotten from the wonderful folks at Nielsen- Massey.  I also added an Orange Glaze using the powdered sugar generously provided by Dixie Crystals and the excellent zester and measuring spoons provided by Kitchen IQ.

I used the Platinum yeast provided by Red Star and was extremely pleased with the results.  I can't believe the type of yeast could make such a difference!  Dixie Crystals also provided us with granulated sugar that was used in the making of this recipe.

While I received wonderful products for this blogging event, for which I am very grateful, I did not receive any monetary compensation. As always, I only post my honest and humble opinions regarding the products that I use in my recipes.

Just look at that lovely rise on these rolls!

Aren't they gorgeous?

If you want to serve the with dinner instead of a brunch just omit the orange extract and icing.

But just keep in mind that they were scrumpdillyicious with the orange flavors.

These tender sweet rolls were perfect for Brunch.  

Serve these amazing rolls  along side ham and eggs or a quiche. Add a fruit salad,  pour the mimosas and have  the perfect treat for Mom on Mother's Day.  She deserves it.....How I wish I could share this with my Mom or Mother in Law this year.  This will be our first year without them....I wonder if it will ever get easier....

Orange Scented Italian Sweet Rolls

adapted from Life on Food

1 1/4 c. milk

1/3 c. unsalted butter

1 pkg instant yeast ( I used Red Star Platinum)

pinch of salt

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/4 t. orange extract (I used Nielsen-Massey)

1/2 c. sugar (I used Dixie Crystals)

4 c. bread flour

1 egg beaten with 1 t. water for egg wash

1 recipe Orange Glaze (my recipe)

Combine milk and butter in a small pan and warm over med low heat until butter is melted.  Let cool until 105-110*.

Combine the yeast, salt,eggs, sugar and extract in the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.  Add the warm milk and half of the flour.  Turn mixer on low speed and knead until combined.  Gradually add remaining flour until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.  Knead on med low speed for 3-5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place the dough into a greased bowl, turning once to coat the whole ball.  Cover with a warm damp kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm, draft free area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Pat dough to a rough oblong of even thickness.  Cut into 18 even pieces.  Form each piece into a ball and place seam side down into a 9x13" baking pan.  Cover with a warm, damp towel and allow to rise for another hour or until doubled in size.

Brush rolls with egg wash and bake in a preheated 350* oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.  Let cool before frosting with the orange glaze.   Print Recipe

Let's take a look at what the others cooked up for us today.....

BrunchWeek Beverages:

• Green Tea Mojito by Love & Confections.

BrunchWeek Breads, Grains and Pastries:

• Apple Bacon Cheddar Flatbread by Wholistic Woman.
• Apple Cheddar Scones by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks.
• Apple Pie Pastry Braid by {i love} my disorganized life.
• Bacon, Cheddar & Chive Scones by Books n' Cooks.
• Caramelized Onion Apple Galette by Forking Up.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sweet Rolls by From Gate to Plate.
• Chocolate Zucchini Donuts by My Catholic Kitchen.
• Cinnamon Swirl Bread by Making Miracles.
• Cornmeal Biscuits with Chorizo Gravy and Scallions by Sweet Beginnings.
• {Gluten-Free} Galette Perougienne avec Chamomile by Culinary Adventures with Camilla.
• Gluten Free Orange Rolls by Gluten Free Crumbley.
• Italian Sweet Rolls by A Day in the Life on the Farm.
• Mini Brioche by The Redhead Baker.
• Orange Creamsicle Donuts by The Crumby Cupcake.
• Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls by The Suburban Soapbox.
• Saffron Bread by Jane's Adventures in Dinner.
• Savory Ham & Cheese Waffles by The Chef Next Door.
• White Cheddar & Black Pepper Gougéres by The Barbee Housewife.

BrunchWeek Fruits, Vegetables and Sides:

• Breakfast Potatoes by Big Bear's Wife
• Cheesy Hash Browns by Cindy's Recipes and Writings.
• Slow Cooker Apple Butter by Casa de Crews.

BrunchWeek Egg Dishes:

• Akuri Scrambled Eggs by Palatable Pastime.
• Bubble Up Denver Breakfast Bake by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures.
• Carnitas Eggs Benedict with Chipotle Crema in Avocado Halves by Sarcastic Cooking.
• Cheesy Breakfast Nachos by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen.
• Croque Madame Bread Pudding by Cooking In Stilettos.
• Macaroni and Cheese Soufflé by Tara's Multicultural Table.

BrunchWeek Main Dishes:

• Apple Cornbread & Ham Roll-Ups by Nik Snacks.
• Breakfast Mac & Cheese by The Spiffy Cookie.
• Italian Sausage Strata by Feeding Big and more.
• Pizza Loaf by The Healthy Fit Foodie.
• Shrimp and Andouille Cheddar Grits with Hot Pepper Cream Sauce by The Texan New Yorker.

BrunchWeek Desserts:

• Chocolate-dipped Orange Cookies by Family Around the Table.
• Jelly Donut Cake by Pink Cake Plate
• Raspberry Coffeecake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake.
• Strawberry French Toast Cupcakes by Brunch-n-Bites.

Look at the great prize packages you can win!!!

Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Red Star Yeast, Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Vidalia Onion Committee, Sage Fruits, Nielsen-Massey, KitchenIQ, and Le Creuset for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek. All opinions are my own. 

Prize #1 Red Star Yeast is giving one winner an amazing baking set, which includes a mixing bowl, dough whisk, bamboo spatula, rubber spatula, instant-read thermometer, measuring cup, pizza cutter, tea towel, oven mitt, bench scraper, ‘Knead to be Loaved’ apron, 6 strips of Red Star Yeast, National Festival of Breads cookbook, and The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day hardcover cookbook For more than a century, home bakers have trusted the high quality and consist performance of RED STAR Yeast. Inspiring bakers from novice to professional, our goal is your baking success! Visit redstaryeast.com for hundreds of tried & true recipes, baking tips and how-to videos. Better yeast. Better bread. Every time.

Prize #2 Dixie Crystals is giving one winner 1 case of 2-lb Extra Fine Granulated Sugar, a silicone baking mat, Dixie Crystal’s My First Cookbook, and Dixie Crystals red ruffle apron. About Dixie Crystals: Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South's choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. Our pure cane sugar products are all natural, non-GMO and provide consistently delicious results.

 Prize #3 Cabot Cheese is giving one winner $50 assortment of Cabot Cheese, one Berghoff Cheese Knife and one Slate Cheese Board Cabot Creamery Cooperative is a 1,200 farm family dairy cooperative with members in New England & upstate New York making all natural, award-winning cheeses & the "World's Best Cheddar.”

Prize #4 Vidalia Onion Committee is giving one winner a Martha Stewart Knife Set, cast iron fry pan, cutting board, and fresh Vidalia Onions About Vidalia Onions: Vidalia onions are unique to a very small region. In fact, they only grow within 20 counties in Georgia (which is also why they are the official state vegetable of Georgia)! Vidalia onions were discovered back in 1930’s, and just like back then, they are still planted, transplanted and harvested entirely all by hand! Vidalia onions are grown during the winter months, and are only available in stores between April and September, making them a true seasonal specialty. In order to grow great tasting Vidalias, and to give them their characteristic sweetness, they must be grown in a sandy soil mixture that is low in sulfur (sulfur in soil is what gives onions their hotness). Because of this sweet flavor, Vidalia onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in any sort of dish; grilling, baking, appetizers, sandwiches, casseroles, and yes, even sweet desserts. Each year, approximately 5-million 40-pound boxes are shipped out around the entire country - now that’s a lot of onions! Prize #5 Sage Fruits is giving one winner a Ninja® Mega Kitchen System® with Slicing/Shredding Sage Fruit Company is a premier grower/shipper of apples, pears and cherries. Not only are they focused on healthy products, but also on helping kids get excited about healthy eating through their free Kids in Force program that helps kids eat more nutrition and get more physical activity.

Prize #6 Nielsen-Massey Fine Vanillas & Flavors is giving one winner a set of their pure flavors: 2-oz each of Orange, Lemon, Peppermint, Almond, Chocolate, Coffee, Rose Water, and Orange Blossom Water. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has been crafting the world’s finest vanillas and flavors since 1907. Each of Nielsen-Massey’s all-nature pure flavors are crafted with premium ingredients, sourced from around the world and chosen to meet the utmost quality standards. From lemon to peppermint to coffee or chocolate, Nielsen-Massey’s pure flavors offer convenience, quality and consistency to ensure your favorite recipes taste delicious every single time. All products are gluten-free, allergen-free, GMO-free, all-natural and Kosher.

Prize #7 KitchenIQ is giving one winner a Lid & Mitt, Edge Grip Quick Prep Knife Sharpener & Pairing Knife Combo, IQ Smart Wireless Nutri Scale, Edge Bug Scissor Sharpener, and Prep & Measure Tool KitchenIQ, the new houseware branch of Smith’s Consumer Products, Inc., embraces Smith’s long-standing reputation for innovation and quality. KitchenIQ is committed to producing smarter products for the kitchen.

Prize #8 Le Creuset is giving one winner one Egg Carton in Caribbean, a Heritage 4 Qt Rectangular Baking Dish in Caribbean and a Revolution Spatula Spoon in Caribbean. Le Creuset is focused on inspiring and empowering people everywhere to make joy through cooking. From our original enameled cast iron cookware to stoneware, stainless, silicone and more, Le Creuset has grown to offer products across a range of materials and categories that guarantees the right tool for the right job.

The #BrunchWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up only. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Eight winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The #BrunchWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

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