Cookies/ Dessert/ Recipes

elephant ears

I’m going to go visit my grandparents next week. For that, I am thankful.

You see, one month ago I sat up straight in bed with the completely random, yet overwhelming urgency, to plan a trip to see them. The feeling, in fact, was so strong that I immediately called Adam with tears in my throat and told him I didn’t really understand why I was feeling this way, but I needed to plan a trip to Wisconsin as soon as possible. It would be expensive but I didn’t care. I needed to go. Did he want to come along?

He said yes.

Three weeks later, I got the call that my grandfather had had a heart attack, fallen down an entire flight on concrete steps, broken his hip and was in the hospital fighting for his life. And as my family waited grimly by the phone on Thanksgiving day, I remembered my conviction a few weeks before and gasped out loud. Folks, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried and no, I have never had a “premonition” like this before so don’t start asking me to tell your fortune or if the cute neighbor will ask you out next weekend.

My grandpa made it through surgery last week but his heart is still leaking enzymes and he will be the hospital for an entire month….and then who knows. All I know is that I’m thankful I’m going next week and able to bring some joy to both him and my grandma, who is currently all alone in the house for the first time in fifty years.

I think when I’m there, we will talk recipes. In specific, her mother’s recipes.

Elephant ears are basically just smashed cinnamon buns.

The recipe is Great Grandma’s and it was the first thing I baked when I returned home last weekend. After a four day break from the kitchen, I was more than ready to dig my hands in some dough and let my imagination wander about Marie Olson yet again.

In school, I made palmiers, which both similar and different to these elephant ears. For palmiers, you use puff pastry and fold up the dough differently so the end result resembles more of heart shape than anything else. Palmiers are pretty and French.

For elephant ears, you literally just take cinnamon roll dough, smash it and roll it out. Then you load more cinnamon and sugar on top. They are very American.

Although this is a yeast dough, you don’t really let it rise in the typical sort of sense. Instead, after making the dough you simply stick it in the fridge for an hour….that gives it a little bit of a slow rise and develops the flavor. Then, you just roll out the dough, rub it with butter, sprinkle it with a generous amount of cinnamon sugar and roll up like you would for cinnamon rolls!

The end result is a cross between a cinnamon roll and a cookie…they’re kinda addicting in an old-fashioned tea time treat kinda way. Just don’t be shy with the cinnamon sugar sprinkle! The recipe really should say “handful” instead.

Elephant Ears

makes about 20 pastries

Print this recipe!

Ingredients:

1 (1/4th oz) packet active dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (about 100 degrees)

2 cups flour

1 1/2 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 stick butter, softened + more for spreading on dough

1/2 cup warm milk (about 100 degrees)

1 egg yolk

about 2 cups sugar + 1-2 tbsp cinnamon for sprinkling and rolling

Directions:

Sprinkle yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let sit for five minutes until foamy.

Meanwhile, mix together the flour, 1.5 tbsp and salt and whisk together well. In another bowl, combine the egg yolk and warm milk then pour in the yeast. Stir to combine.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and either knead by hand for 6-8 minutes or use a KitchenAid with a paddle attachment (or dough hook) and mix on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until dough is smooth and clears the sides of the bowl.

Place dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Remove chilled dough from fridge and roll out to a rectangle that’s about  1/8th inch thick. Spread dough with softened butter then LIBERALLY sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Trust me here, don’t just sprinkle—pour a whole cup of cinnamon sugar all over the dough. Without this, your elephant ears will taste a little plain.

Roll up dough like a jelly roll then cut one inch slices off. Place each slice in a mound of cinnamon sugar and roll out to a 5″ circle with a rolling pin. Sprinkle MORE cinnamon sugar on top and place each circle onto a lined sheet tray.

Bake the elephant ears for 12-14 minutes. When you remove them from the oven, flip them over and serve (you want to serve these bottoms up).

Time:

2 hours and 45 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

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  • Emily @ Life on Food
    December 2, 2011 at 3:17 am

    So sorry to hear about your grandpa. I wish him the best. I have never heard of elephant ears. I know palmiers but really care for them. Cinnamon rolls I love. I think I need to try out these cookies. I guess its cause I am American.

    • Eddi
      May 4, 2019 at 10:01 am

      Where does the other stick of butter come in? Dough in frig. No butter in it?

  • Katrina
    December 2, 2011 at 3:42 am

    I’ve always loved these. Perfect for a cold day.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    December 2, 2011 at 3:57 am

    I have chills up and down my body. I hpe your grandpa is getting stronger by the day! Have a great trip visiting them.

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    December 2, 2011 at 4:13 am

    Grandfathers are the best! Enjoy your visit. Is he at UW? My hospital is affiliated with them and I’ll tell you something-they’re good! Also, just took a trip to Madison for my birthday dinner; it was delicious and I enjoyed the view of capitol square. Love that city!!

  • Sally @ Spontaneous Hausfrau
    December 2, 2011 at 4:27 am

    It is wonderful that you will be there to offer your grandmother comfort and company. Hoping for a speedy recovery for your grandfather!

  • Jessica
    December 2, 2011 at 4:41 am

    Oh, Jenna, as somebody with 95 year old grandparents, I am moved by this post… I’m glad you are getting to see them. And thanks for the reminder that I should call mine to check in sometime today…

  • Julie @ Table for Two
    December 2, 2011 at 4:45 am

    I love elephant ears! I used to have these a lot when I was younger. I hope your grandfather continues to recover & feel better 🙂 enjoy your time visiting!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb
    December 2, 2011 at 4:48 am

    i love these cookies, but, funny enough, had no idea what they were called until now! elephant ears… such a cute name 🙂 there is nothing more precious than time with grandparents.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    December 2, 2011 at 4:49 am

    i am so so sorry to hear about your grandpa jenna 🙁 both of mine passed away suddenly and i truly hope that you get to see him and talk to him soon – i know that would mean the world to him 🙂 praying for you and your family sweet girl!

  • Evan
    December 2, 2011 at 4:51 am

    I can’t even tell you – intuition is such a powerful thing. The same thing has happened to me with my mom and her breast cancer situation; when she was about to cancel her exam this year, something told me to convince her otherwise. It was a good instinct! Funny how the mind works, isn’t it? I hope your grandfather gets better; I’m praying for your family! You’re a lovely granddaughter to keep your grandma company, and I bet she’s thrilled to have you.

    And these cookies! How delicious-looking. Perfect for a cup of tea/coffee on a snowy day 🙂

  • Karen
    December 2, 2011 at 5:03 am

    So sorry to hear about your Grandpa’s accident, Jenna…God Speed!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    December 2, 2011 at 5:05 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa, but I’m glad he made it through his surgery ok. I’m sure they are overjoyed to have you come to visit, and make Elephant Ears too! One of my favourite memories of being a kid was going to one of my hometown’s annual summer festivals and eating a huuuuuge elephant ear with one of my friends. You can never get enough cinnamon!

  • Blog is the New Black
    December 2, 2011 at 5:06 am

    Thinking of your grandfather! 🙁

  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    December 2, 2011 at 5:08 am

    I am sorry about your grandpa! These looks great though! Yum 🙂

  • Amanda
    December 2, 2011 at 5:11 am

    I hope your grandfather has a speedy recovery, Jenna. I think it’s wonderful that you and Adam will be able to visit and offer support to both of your grandparents.

    My husband would absolutely love this recipe. Thank you for sharing.

  • Jules @ La Petite Maison Verte
    December 2, 2011 at 5:37 am

    Your grandpa is in my thoughts, I’m hoping for a full recovery as quickly as possible! I am sure he will be so happy to see you and your grandma will appreciate your company, especially during this difficult time. The recipe looks delicious!

  • Jennifer
    December 2, 2011 at 5:43 am

    My grandparents (well, my grandma) lives in Wisconsin too!
    Well wishes for your grandpa, hope he’s feeling better soon!

  • Ellen
    December 2, 2011 at 6:23 am

    Will say some prayers for your grandpa! Godspeed!

  • Deborah
    December 2, 2011 at 6:24 am

    Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your grandfather. I’m glad you are getting this chance to go visit your grandparents – and how fun to get to talk recipes with your grandma! I never knew that elephant ears were smooshed cinnamon rolls. I think a lot of people must get them confused with the palmiers – I learned something new today!

  • Jaclyn
    December 2, 2011 at 6:27 am

    I will be praying for your grandfather’s healing and recovery. Way to listen to your intuition..it was a gift to you for sure and I’m so glad you are going to visit them! Regarding the elephant ears, you make the best darn food, seriously. Thanks for sharing all your talents with us! Hang in there! >

  • Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove
    December 2, 2011 at 6:32 am

    I hope your grandfather recovers quickly! It’s so nice that you’ll be able to visit them (and that you already had the flight booked so you don’t have to worry about that right now).

    These elephant ears look wonderful and I think your grandma will appreciate you making them 🙂

  • Maryz
    December 2, 2011 at 6:40 am

    So sorry to hear about your grandfather! Sending prayers!

  • Cait's Plate
    December 2, 2011 at 6:51 am

    I worked at a bakery in college and one of our hottest selling items were elephant ears! That said, yours look WAY better!

  • Jenny @ Jenny Perry Photography
    December 2, 2011 at 7:02 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa. I have dreams once every few years that are sort of premonitions and they totally creep me out!
    I’m definitely going to make these over Christmas “break”, they sound so good! I have a random Silpat question. I have a very small kitchen and because my Silpat always feels greasy, I am always at a loss on how to store it. For now I store it on the top pan in our drawer in our oven so it doesn’t get smushed, but I’m not sure that’s the best way to store it. Any suggestions? Thanks!
    I’ll be thinking about your family and hoping your grandpa gets better very soon.

  • Heather
    December 2, 2011 at 7:09 am

    Praying for your family and your grandfather’s fast recovery, love! My pop-pop was in the hospital over the summer and I know how heart breaking it is. Hold on tight and stay in close contact with your family! xoxo

  • Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel
    December 2, 2011 at 7:13 am

    this brings back the happiest of memories when i would go with my Dad to the fair!! I made fun of him when he ordered ‘elephant ears’ … especially since the one he got was 30cm long. But i didn’t make fun of him when i had some- the sugary doughy goodness is INSANELY GOOD! Hats off to you for making them!! 🙂

    xoxo <3

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
    December 2, 2011 at 7:14 am

    That’s the kind of thing that really makes me start thinking about life/ghosts/connections. Very weird. I wish your grandfather the best, thinking of you and your family. So glad you’re able to take a trip to see them.

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    December 2, 2011 at 7:37 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa’s heart attack and broken hip Jenna. I am so glad that you have an opportunity to spend time with your Grandma and Grandpa next week. Thinking of you and your family.

  • Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries
    December 2, 2011 at 7:48 am

    I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather – I hope everything turns out to be okay. My grandparents live in Wisconsin too, by the way. 😉

    I’ve always loved these elephant ears!! I’ve made them a couple different times, and they are fantastic.

  • Pure2raw twins
    December 2, 2011 at 7:59 am

    Sorry about your grandpa! we lost one of ours last year it was tough so I wish you and your family all the best and hope everything turns out for you!!!

    And love the elephant ears, so cute!!!

  • Annalise
    December 2, 2011 at 8:00 am

    I have never heard of elephant ears before (at least not the tasty kind), but I’m already a big fan! These look great.

  • Joey
    December 2, 2011 at 8:03 am

    Sad to hear about your Grandpa. I strongly believe that when you get a strong urge to call/go see someone, do it. There is no such thing as coincidence. I’m glad you get to go see them & be there for them!!!

  • Kelli H (Made in Sonoma)
    December 2, 2011 at 8:06 am

    So weird you had that feeling but I can actually relate.

    My dads business partner (who I worked with for a few years too) died in May 2010. The day died, that morning I had this weird feeling that they should start talking about a plan in case one of them were to pass away. That night I found out he died. It was so eerie. I felt like I was some sort of psychic but I think we might all have a little bit of intuition or something…

    It’s good you’re going to visit your g-parents though.

    Those elephant ears look so tasty! I’d love one with my coffee right now.

  • Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
    December 2, 2011 at 8:11 am

    You are such a good granddaughter. I am sure you are bringing your family so much comfort and joy.

  • Cat @Breakfast to Bed
    December 2, 2011 at 8:12 am

    our grandparents are so precious to us, I pray for his continual recovery.

    Elephant ears are delicious. I have always used puff pastry to make them. I really love this idea, i think it will lend itself to a chewier, more dense elephant ear which sounds fab.

  • Irina G (Fit Flexitarian)
    December 2, 2011 at 8:14 am

    Oh my gosh, I can’t even BEGIN to tell you how much I love love love love elephant ears. Almost nobody knows about them, though, and I am SO happy to finally have a recipe.

    Also, my prayers are with your grandfather. I know it must be so scary (especially about your premonition, yikes!) but at least you will see him soon.

  • Corrie Anne
    December 2, 2011 at 8:40 am

    Oh man. Thinking of you & your grandparents!! I’m so happy you get to go see them.

    I used to make elephant ears ALL THE TIME in elementary school. We loved them. I can’t wait to send this to a friend of mine!

  • Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy
    December 2, 2011 at 8:49 am

    These look delicious! I hope you have a wonderful trip to see your grandparents! I hope that your grandpa starts to do better, and can leave the hospital! It is good you planned the visit!

  • Girl Eat
    December 2, 2011 at 8:50 am

    So very very sorry to hear about your grandpa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time, and I will pray for his recovery.

    I don’t believe your feeling was a coincidence and I am glad you are with your grandmother now. I am sure that you are bringing much needed company and comfort to her.

    Take care of yourself.
    Girl Eat
    ps-the elephant ears look absolutely delicious, but, coming from you, that’s not really a surprise, now is it?

  • Lindsay {life and kitchen}
    December 2, 2011 at 9:07 am

    So sorry about your grandpa. It’s nice that you’re able to visit and keep them company. The cookies look yummy!

  • Liz
    December 2, 2011 at 9:12 am

    Thinking about you and your family – and thank goodness you listened to your intuition!

  • Adrianna from A Cozy Kitchen
    December 2, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Thinking about you and your grandpa, Jenna! P.S. Thanks for the lesson on elephant ears–had no idea they were made from a yeast dough. Who knew! xo

  • Laura @ She Eats Well
    December 2, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Sorry to hear about your grandpa but I’m so glad you are going to visit; you really will bring smiles to both of their faces. And premonitions like that happen and I totally believe in them. That’s when you gotta just trust your gut. Thinking happy thoughts for you and your family.

  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    December 2, 2011 at 9:29 am

    I’ll keep your grandpa in my prayers.

    I always wondered what an elephant ear pastry was, and man, they sound delicious now! Smushed cinnamon bun? Count me in.

  • Lora
    December 2, 2011 at 9:31 am

    Elephant ears are one of my favorites but I’ve never seen them this way before. The “ear” I’m familiar with is much closer to a palmier. It seems to me that it’s a huge piece of round puff pastry, loaded up with cinnamon sugar. It’s not rolled up like a palmier (which by the way is a really easy thing to make to impress guests!) but the texture is very similar, in my experience. I’m going to have to make them your way and see what happens…

  • Sonia (the Mexigarian)
    December 2, 2011 at 9:34 am

    Send well wishes and positive energy to your family and grandpa. -hugs-

  • Kelsey
    December 2, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Intuition is real. This totally happened to me with my grandpa too. I had a nightmare that he had a stroke while driving my grandma around. Two weeks later, he goes to the hospital for ‘confusion’ and it turns out he had a stroke while he was driving. Yikes! My thoughts and prayers are with you. p.s. my husband loves these things-he calls them cinnamon circles (he’s from NJ)

  • stevie
    December 2, 2011 at 9:46 am

    That’s really amazing how in touch you are with your senses and the energy around you. Wish I was more like that!

  • Deanna B.
    December 2, 2011 at 10:00 am

    I’m so sorry about your grandpa I’ll definitely be sending hugs and prayers your way. I want to know what your grandma’s favorite recipe from the box is. You’ve inspired me to hunt down my grandma’s recipe box I just have to figure out who had it last.

  • Sabrina @ Radioactive Runner
    December 2, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Jenna,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Enjoy every second of your time with your grandparents next week. I hope he has a smooth recovery.
    Grandparents are so special.. I don’t know what I would do without mine. I just love them so much.

  • Shayla
    December 2, 2011 at 10:25 am

    Yum! These look delicious. And thanks for sharing the story about your grandparents. I’m sending good vibes to your grandpa and to your family all the way from here in Wisconsin. 🙂 Have a safe trip. (pack a warm coat)

  • Cat
    December 2, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Very sorry to hear about your grandpa 🙁

    Growing up, elephant ears were a little different. They simply happened when my mom had extra dough leftover from baking bread and she’d take the extra bits, roll ’em out nice and flat, fry them (yum!) and then add cinnamon and sugar….and butter! I think about them OFTEN! Yours sound a bit healthier 😉

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    December 2, 2011 at 10:35 am

    These look soo good, Jenna! I love that you say they’re basically just smashed cinnamon buns. I love me a good cinny bun!

    And I am happy to hear your grandpa made it through surgery and that you’re going to be able to go home to be with your family but I am sorry it’s under stressful circumstance. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers 🙂

  • Christina @ Heels and Meals
    December 2, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Jenna,
    I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather’s heart attack and accident. Prayers and thoughts, with you and your family, for a speedy recovery for him! I think it is wonderful that you decided to act on your feeling to go see them before even knowing something was wrong. Hope you and Adam have a safe trip and enjoy being with them.
    Can’t wait to hear some tidbits from you grandmother about her mother’s recipes!
    oh yeah and .. mmmmmm! elephant ears!

  • Moni'sMeals
    December 2, 2011 at 11:32 am

    positive thoughts for you, your family, and of course your grandfather. Hips are usually the first to break when a fall occurs at that age. 🙁 Safe travels

    I adore these and I forgot how much I love Elephant Ears, I always get them at a bakery. 🙂 Thanks for such a great recipe.

  • Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather
    December 2, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Your elephant ears look so much better than the fried ones you get at a fair. Great recipe!

  • Elisabeth
    December 2, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    Sending positive thoughts your way & to your grandparents! It’s wonderful that you’re able to go see him 🙂 I have premonitions like that often (not necessarily when bad things are to happen) & so does my mom. My grandma used to say she did, but we never believed her until it started happening to us. We call it our ESP 😉

  • Laura@mypurposefullife
    December 2, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I’m so sorry to hear about your grandfather. Safe trip!

  • Cassie
    December 2, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Adorable. These are great. I’m sorry to read about your Grandpa. I hope and pray that he has a successful recovery!

  • Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
    December 2, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    I am sorry to hear about your Grandpa, I hope he is doing ok.
    These look wonderful. We make Elephant Ears in my family, but they are different. we don’t smash them quite as much, so they are move like a cinnamon roll. I will have to try it this way next time!

  • Pamela
    December 2, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    I hope your Grandpa gets better soon. What’s ironic about this post is my Grandpa died last night. Please go be with your Grandpa and soak up every minute of him! Ya’ll take care and be care traveling to see your Grandma and Grandpa! Give him an extra hug.

    • jenna
      December 2, 2011 at 2:49 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear that!!! My thoughts are with you and your family right now…

  • Mellie
    December 2, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    I’m sorry about your grandpa! The elephant ears look really good!

  • Kayla
    December 2, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa. I just lost mine in March. And I lost my other two grandparents — my Oma and Opa — a couple years ago. It’s tough to watch them get older. Glad you’re going to see them. Where in Wisconsin? (I ask because it’s my beloved homestate.)

  • Gennin
    December 2, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    Jenna, I am so sorry to hear that your Grandpa is going through this. I hope he recovers soon. My Grandma fell and broke her hip and shoulder on November 15th. She had surgery and made it through. Unfortunately she has myelodysplastic syndromeand her immune system couldn’t take it. We lost her this past Wednesday. She is out of pain and at home now with her late son and husband. What a joyous celebration that must have been. I’ll say a prayer for you and your family. Hope you have a wonderful and safe trip too!

  • Leslie Means @ Her View From Home
    December 2, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    I’ve had moments like that as well – I get an overwhelming “sense” about things. I personally believe it’s God’s way of trying to tell me something. In my mind, there’s always a reason.

    Never heard of this recipe. Thanks for sharing – and sending good thoughts your way for your fam!

  • Jennifer
    December 2, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    I am so sorry about your grandfather, Jenna. I was so lucky to have my special grandmother until my early thirties…but even now at 40, I miss her everyday. Cherish every single moment and, may I suggest that while they are still vital that you have them record your favorite stories of when they were younger….life advice..etc. I have a video of my grandmother at my wedding wishing me well and giving me her love/marriage advice….it is probably one of the most precious things I own. Enjoy your trip and be safe.

  • Wendi
    December 2, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    Oh so sorry to hear about your grandpa hun but I am so glad that you get to see and spend time with him. Have fun, make lots of memories, be safe, and enjoy every minute with your family that you can!

    P.S. Where in Wisconsin are they from? I grew up and lived there all my life until recently. It’s a B-E-A-utiful state, despite the nasty winters lol.

  • Maria
    December 2, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Enjoy your time with your grandparents. Glad you are able to go visit. Sending my best! The elephant ears look amazing!

  • Liza@docrunsforhealth
    December 2, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Very sorry to hear about your grandfather. The best thing is you get to visit soon and your love and support will be a motivating factor for him to get better as soon as possible. Elephant ears reminds me of a treat we had back in Russia years ago! I will definitely make them. Do you think I can get away without butter?
    I didn’t think so…

  • Jacqueline
    December 2, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Jenna, so glad you get to spend special time with your grandparents. I’m sure they enjoy it as much as you do! Love the recipe today!! Looks like the perfect cookie to snuggle up with a hot cup of tea and a great book! Thanks for another awesome post.

  • TanyaS
    December 2, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Your story has inspired me. We will now be making the 9 hour trip home for xmas, there won’t be that many more to see my 89 year old grandmother.

    You’ve also inspired me to make elephant ears, I love making cinnamon buns, so why not!

  • Krissy @ Krissy's Creaions
    December 2, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    I hope that your Grandpa gets better Jenna. This post was inspiring, and the Elephant Ears look truly delicious. Thanks for showing such a great recipe 🙂

  • Raewyn
    December 2, 2011 at 11:51 pm

    So sorry to hear about your grandfather’s fall….I’m sure this is all so scary. Hang in there, Jenna! 🙂 What a sweet blessing you got that feeling and get to go visit them. Keeping your grandfather and your family in my prayers!

    Scrumptious-looking cookies, btw. 🙂

  • Katherine
    December 3, 2011 at 2:16 am

    So sorry to hear about your grandfather; I will be praying he has a quick recovery. I hope that you enjoy the time you get to spend with him and your grandmother.

  • Lauren
    December 3, 2011 at 3:29 am

    My Grandmother is in the hospital as well, but we’ve been blessed to have her with us. She’s and 83 year old trooper 🙂 Your family is in my prayers.

    Cinnamon rolls are my favorite so I have a feeling these will be amazing! They look great!

  • Lauren
    December 3, 2011 at 3:30 am

    *She’s a 83 year old trooper

  • crock pot wild rice porridge — Eat, Live, Run
    December 3, 2011 at 4:29 am

    […] in my slow cooker before and considered it an experiment the other day as I had my hands deep in elephant ear dough. Make the porridge on a Sunday afternoon and then you’ll be set with healthy, filling […]

  • Lindsey @ Morningstar Project
    December 3, 2011 at 8:16 am

    Wow what a beautiful story! There is something to be said when strong emotions hit you like that. Maybe fate, God, or your grandfather sending energy your way – so it’s wonderful you listened to your gut instinct to fly out to spend time with them.

  • Teri
    December 3, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    Sorry to hear about your grandpa. I’ve had something similar happen with both my grandpa and my aunt and uncle. So strange, isn’t it. *hugs*

  • Jen
    December 4, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    Sorry to hear about your grandfather, I hope he recovers well.

  • Liz @ Southern Charm
    December 4, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    I’m so happy you are able to go spend time with your grandparents. Your grandfather is in my prayers!!

  • R
    December 6, 2011 at 6:43 am

    Lovely recipe! When does the stick of softened butter get added in to the dough mixture?

    • jenna
      December 6, 2011 at 6:53 am

      You use that stick to smear on top, per recipe instructions. It’s almost like you are laminating the dough (like you would croissants) without rolling it out a million times

  • Charise
    December 6, 2011 at 7:14 am

    My thoughts go out to your, your grandpa, and your family. I have been there with sick grandparents and understand how stressful and emotional it can be. I am so glad you get to go visit them soon!

  • Connie Ireland Holso
    February 3, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Thank you! I used to make these when I was a young bride many years ago…but in one of our moves I lost the little booklet that had the recipe. I have been wanting to make them again for my grandchildren. These are exactly the ones we used to make. So yummy, so homey. I am so grateful to you for posting. The old recipes are still the best!