This morning at the table having a sweet little breakfast with my husband, we got on the topic of passion and how when it's plentiful, life has such clarity and meaning; but when it's lacking, moving through life can be a little like moving through murky waters that are hungry for the sun's rays to penetrate through.
Really, there's nothing like passion to get a job done, and done well and with full intentionality. At this point in my life, I cannot escape the fact that it is passion that is the driving force behind every single thing that I place my hand on to do that is of any real meaning to me, as it is a sort of magical infusion of gusto and purpose that can turn the relatively-mundane into something that has indescribable charisma and flavor. It is something that springs up from within, like a well of living water.
Passion is a little like those silky and rich ingredients found in a recipe for soft & pillowy blueberry breakfast rolls; it helps raise, puff, sweeten, tenderize and create that wonderful “mouth feel” of a warm, perfectly chewy and fluffy roll. It gives flavor when flavor is needed, and is a part of that magical chemistry that creates desire, helping the little bites of life slide oh-so pleasurably down into the belly.
When it's present, passion can move mountains; it is that special something that aids in keeping all of the balls up in the air, so to speak, when they should otherwise, for all intents and purposes, be falling all around.
Ah, but when passion is hiding...that's another thing.
I go through periods in my life that feel a bit like a desert—they seem arid and void of the moisture that is so necessary to have in order to keep life feeling vibrant and thriving. In those moments, it seems to me like the faucet of passion has been turned off, or at least turned down to a trickle, and I can't find the desire anywhere within my soul to take another step forward in any direction.
In those moments, I feel so very uncomfortable in my own skin because it is not what I would prefer to be experiencing. It's a little unnerving, discombobulating, even, to temporarily be unable to clearly see (or feel) the meaning behind what I do.
Endeavors lack luster, in the same way that a simple dough without salt lacks flavor.
When passion is playing the “find me” game with me, I look under this rug and behind that door; in that corner, and under the bed. But instead of a revelation, what I get is a little far-off giggle, a little mischievous laugh from passion letting me know that it is there to be found, but that it would rather have me search it out, whole-heartedly, than reveal itself to me. That it would rather have me realize that I'm missing it and put in a little of my own elbow grease to find it.
And it's the best thing.
Discomfort is a great motivator to asking questions and to arriving at the realization that something that is vital, is needed. It creates a prayer in the heart, an empty space that needs to be filled. It brings me to a place where I cannot avoid the simple fact that even passion is a merciful gift that must be requested, and is not automatically present even when one is participating in their life's work and on the “right path”.
This morning's quiet gift to me over our sweet little breakfast was an awakening to the truth that even passion must be asked for. When it's there, in full glory, in full revelation and strength, it is phenomenal and invigorating beyond belief. It is incredibly powerful. Yet, as with so very many things, it can easily be taken for granted.
Passion helps us to juggle all that life's busy schedule throws at us—helps us to keep all balls up in the air, rather than landing, with thuds, onto our heads. It gives us a desire to share, a desire to connect, a desire to be vulnerable—in a nutshell, a desire to love and to exist, at all.
It is also a state of being that desires to be requested, and is worthy of being sought after when it's playing hide and seek. And when there in its fullness, it should be grabbed with both hands, kissed and held close and cherished; but when it's not, the empty space that it leaves must be fully felt, and compel us to come to a place where there's humility enough to ask for its rich, buttery and softening presence once again.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
Soft & Pillowy Blueberry Breakfast Rolls with Creamy Vanilla-Lemon Icing
by Ingrid Beer
Yield: Makes 12-15 Rolls
Ingredients:
• ¼ cup warm water (110°)
• 1 (¼ ounce) packet active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar (for activating yeast)
• 1 cup warm half and half
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup (approximately) mashed potato, room temp (*see note below)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch or two, divided use
• 3 ¾ - 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling dough
(*The addition of the mashed potato creates a specifically “pillowy”, light and fluffy roll, without adding any additional flavor. Prick a large russet potato with a fork a few time, place into microwave, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender; once cool enough to handle, cut the potato in half, and scoop out the flesh, discarding the skin; either mash the flesh until lump-free, or put it through a potato ricer, the best choice.)
Filling:
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ cup blueberry preserves
• 1 (6 oz) package fresh blueberries
Preparation:
-To prepare your dough, add the warm water to a small bowl, and sprinkle the yeast over top in an even layer; sprinkle in the teaspoon of sugar, and mix to dissolve; allow the yeast mixture to sit for 10 minutes, until foamy.
-While the yeast is activating, add the warm half and half, the ½ cup of sugar, the eggs, the mashed potato, the vanilla, the ½ cup room temp melted butter and the salt to a large bowl, and mix with hand mixer until smooth; add in 2 cups of the flour, and mix that in until incorporated.
-Add in the yeast mixture, and mix that in to incorporate.
-Now, working with a wooden spoon, add in the remainder of the flour, incrementally (you may or may not use all 4 cups), and mix that in until sticky and soft but coming together to form a kneadable dough.
-Turn the dough out onto a work surface sprinkled with flour, and knead the dough for about 4-5 minutes (you may need to continue to add sprinklings of flour), or until elastic; lightly oil a large bowl, add the dough in, turning it to coat it lightly in the oil, and cover with plastic wrap; place the bowl in a warm spot in the kitchen (I place mine in a 200° lightly “warmed” oven that has been turned off) and allow it to double in size, about 1 hour 20 minutes.
-While dough is rising, mix together the remaining ⅓ cup of sugar with the lemon zest, and using your fingers, work the zest in until fragrant; set aside.
-Once dough has doubled in size, punch it down; turn it out onto the lightly floured work surface, and roll out into a 15” x 9” rectangular shape.
-To fill, spread the 3 tablespoons of softened butter over the dough (leaving a bit of a border around the edges) then sprinkle over the pinch or two of salt; next, spread the blueberry preserves over the dough, top with the blueberries, and sprinkle over the lemon-sugar.
-Roll the dough starting from the top downward, rolling as tightly as possible, and pinch the seam closed.
-Cut the dough into about 12-15 rolls, and place the rolls into a buttered baking dish; cover with plastic and allow the rolls to double in size, for 45 minutes.
-Bake at 350° for about 25-27 minutes, or until golden.
-Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with the Creamy, Vanilla-Lemon Icing; best enjoyed warm and fresh. (You can reheat these for about 15 seconds in your microwave.)
Creamy Vanilla-Lemon Icing Ingredients:
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation:
-Add all ingredients to a medium-size bowl, and whisk together until thick and smooth; keep covered until ready to use.
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Gorgeous & pinned! 🙂
The Cozy Apron
Aw, thanks! 🙂
Lisa McCabe
Ingrid -- Just a note to let you know how much I value your site -- not just for the recipes, but for the measuring cups full of wisdom and insight that you share - lovely writing and photography, full of hope and redemption.
Lisa
The Cozy Apron
Lisa, that really touches me. Thank you so much for sharing that—it means a lot! (And beautifully put, as well.) Thank you for your readership!
dina
it looks so delicious! great breakfast or any time!
The Cozy Apron
Absolutely, Dina! Thanks!
Librarian Lavender
A perfect breakfast! And such a good article too, it isn't always easy to love what you're doing and find the passion for it every time. Thanks for sharing that!
Jordyn
Came for the rolls and unexpectedly got the missing piece to my prayer. What a blessing. I can't wait to make these. Thank you for the wisdom and for creatively blending purpose with passion.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Jordyn, thank you so much for taking a few moments to let me know that you received the "missing piece" to your prayer; I'm beyond inspired to hear that! I truly appreciate your comments. And I hope you enjoy these rolls, as well!
katie
These look amazing! I'm salivating just reading through about them! However I have a question; what is "half and half"? I have never heard of this before...
The Cozy Apron
Hi Katie, you can find "Half & Half" in the section of the grocery store where they have the milk, butter and other dairy. It's simply half milk and half cream—people often use it in their coffee, too. 🙂
CAROL
I love the recipe so much and your whole write-up is so beautiful. I often have felt there are so many ups and downs in life that sometimes it's a bit much to figure out, and you get to wonder if its only you that feels that way! Thanks for putting passion into what you do, and I will be signing up to your blog.
The Cozy Apron
Well, thanks Carol! And know that you really aren't the only one; sometimes life throws us a few too many balls to juggle, and it's overwhelming. But the prayer is for the uplift and the direction; and if you have that, then that's an amazing starting place. Thanks for your comments!
dina
these look so good!
Michelle { A Latte Food }
I was first drawn to your site because of the beautiful pictures and the prospect of saving a recipe, but now I also come because I always appreciate what you have to say. The words you wrote on this post are lovely and absolutely encouraging, so thank you! Thank you for a wonderful recipe and a wonderful piece of advice.
The Cozy Apron
Michelle, thank you so very much for that, on every level! I appreciate you stopping by to share your comments with me.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl
I'm in sweetness heaven, this looks perfect for a treat!I love blueberries so much!
deafmentor
I just have to ditto/echo what Michelle wrote above. What a gift for writing you have...it spoke to me and I could relate to it. Thanks for that AND the recipe! 🙂
The Cozy Apron
Aw…thank you so much for that! So glad to have you stop by, and I hope you enjoy these sweet roles!
Mary
Ingrid - I absolutely LOVE ALL your blog and all your recipes! I made these rolls last night and I was so happy that they actually looked like your photos and tasted FABULOUS!! Oh so good. The recipe is generous, so I was able to freeze some and they still taste delicious, even after being frozen. On a side note, I thought I would tell you that I saved some time by using instant mashed potatoes for this recipe - such a great time saver and with no adverse results. :o) Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes and insights.
The Cozy Apron
Hi Mary, that substitution for instant mashed potatoes is great! Whatever works well, and saves time, right? 🙂 I very much appreciate your comments, and am thrilled that these turned out for you—yeay! Thank you for taking some time to share your experience with me, Mary.
deafmentor
Thanks for the most recent comments. Maybe I missed it being mentioned but I was wondering if potato flakes could be used for the "mashed potatoes" and if these could be frozen and still turn out great. Good to know. Thx!
deafmentor
At the end of the line in Ingredients for the mashed potatoes there is an asterisk saying to "See note below" which I assume is something important about the potatoes. I have printed out the recipe but still don't see the "note" the asterisk is referring to. Am I the only one? If so, I must be blind. 😉 What/where is the "note"? Thanks, anyone, for answering this.
The Cozy Apron
Hi there! No, you're not blind—I thought we fixed it, but must've forgotten! 🙁 Anyway, I just explain that the mashed potato creates that fluffy and pillowy role, and to just microwave a medium-large russet potato, scoop out the flesh and put it through a ricer (or mash until lump free). And yes, you can also use instant mashed potatoes—just make sure you have the 1/2 cup's worth. 🙂 (Also, Mary above said that she froze them, and they were great!)
Kenny Odister
These look amazing I would like to try them but I don't want to spend my whole day making homemade rolls but since they look so good I might have to schedule a day to make them.
The Cozy Apron
Kenny, it's true that they're a bit time consuming, but I've gotta tell you, there's something really relaxing about making something like this! You may need to set some time apart to prepare these, but I think you'll find the experience fun AND yummy!
Nidia
Hi
I love love love this recipe. But I'm from the Netherlands and I have no idea what half and half is. Is there a substitute for it. Or can I sort of create it myself? I would love to here if there are options.
The Cozy Apron
HI Nidia, half and half is just half milk and half cream (we can buy this in our dairy isle in the US); you can easily make your own by using 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup cream, or even substitute completely with full-fat milk. Hope that helps!
Lauren
These look so delicious! My time is limited in the mornings, so would it be possible to make the dough the night before and let it rise overnight? Thanks 🙂
The Cozy Apron
Lauren, absolutely! I would just let the dough rise in the fridge (covered with plastic wrap) overnight, and then the next morning roll/fill/cut it, and just let the rolls then double in size for about 45 minutes before baking. Hope you enjoy these!
Cheryl
This recipe looks so delicious! I would love to make the dough on one day and cook them the next. What would be the best place to break up the prep? After they are cut into rolls? Can they be left for more than 45 minutes; say, overnight?
The Cozy Apron
HI Cheryl! Yes, they could be left overnight in the fridge, already cut into rolls and placed into a pan & covered with plastic wrap. They will become a bit "juicy", as the filling ingredients, as they sit for a while, may ooze some blueberry juice, etc. But they will still bake off fine; you may just have a little extra stickiness in the bottom of your baking dish. Hope you enjoy!
Priscilla
I made these with strawberries instead of blueberries since I didnt have enough blueberries, and the result was amazing ! they came out so good :] next time i'll use blueberries !
The Cozy Apron
Priscilla, the strawberries sound like a yummy substitute—glad you enjoyed these! Thanks for sharing.