Monkey Bread with Pecans and Apples

Oh. Hi there. It's been a while, hasn't it. Well, you know how in October I didn't blog much because I was so busy with an opera role, doing props for the opera, and training for a marathon (while also having my mom in town for 2 weeks)? Yeah, well life got even busier for me in December. I had a role in two different operas with two different opera companies. Oh, and, you know, that little day called Christmas which meant singing at 3 masses within 13 hours. And BOTH of my parents came for a week.

I do have to say that it was less stressful than October because my body wasn't exhausted from training for a marathon. As you can imagine, I was greatly looking forward to my vacation during New Years and the week after.

My first stop was to my brother's place in MN. He has a lovely house in the "woods." My apartment is the size of his living room and kitchen. Ha!

It snowed on New Year's Eve and stayed very cold for the rest of my visit.

That's me after bundling up accordingly.

It's funny when I leave the city for the country. I realize about all the things I don't have to deal with. Like, I don't have to worry about defrosting a car or shoveling a driveway. But my brother does! He has a cool machine to deal with the snow on the driveway.

My brother was the one who had the great idea to make monkey bread one morning. Since I woke up before he or his wife did, I figured I would help by making the monkey bread.

  

Well, you know me...

I guess making a mess with the sugar doesn't help much. But, if it's a mess, it's a success. And boy oh boy, this monkey bread was GOOD!

My brother wanted pecans in it and I added the apples. Mmmmm! Great combo.

It was a delicious way to start the new year. (And a messy way! Somethings never change!)

Here's to a wonderful 2012!

Monkey Bread (aka Pull Apart Rolls) with Pecans and Apples (adapted from Mom's Best Recipes cookbook)

 

2 cans of biscuits (I prefer the extra buttery and fluffy ones)

1 C sugar

2 t cinnamon

1 chopped apple

1/2 C chopped pecans

1 1/2 sticks butter

1 C brown sugar

1 t cinnamon

 

Generously grease tube pan with Crisco. In paper bag, put sugar and 2 t cinnamon. Using 1 can at a time, cut biscuits into quarters. Place in paper bag and shake to coat. Place in tube pan, sprinkling apple and pecan pieces over each layer except last one.

(Second Part)

Boil together butter, brown sugar, and 1 t cinnamon. Pour mixture over biscuits. Bake 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before inverting. Let guests pull apart.

Bake well and prosper!