Maple-Cinnamon Rolls

1. For the dough: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 118 ml (1/2 cup) warm water (43 to 46°C/110ºF to 115ºF). Heat together milk, shortening, and salt, stirring to combine. Allow to cool, then add to yeast mixture. Stir in flour and knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

For filling and assembly: In a smaqll bowl, mix together maple sugar, syrup and cinnamon. Punch down dough, and divide in half. Roll out into two 3 cm (1/2 inch) thick rectangles, spread each with butter and sprinkle with a mixture of maple syrup, maple sugar and cinnamon. Roll up dough jelly-roll fashion and slice into 5 cm (1 inch) thick pinwheels. Place slices, cut side down, into greased pans and let rise 45 minutes.

Bake at 177˜C (350ºF) until golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Invert pan to remove. Ice while warm with maple frosting.

For the maple frosting: In a small saucepan over low heat, heat butter until it is golden brown. Add maple syrup and confectioners’ sugar, and mix until blended. Slowly add 30-45 ml (2-3 tablespoons) hot water, stirring until icing is smooth and spreadable.