We like routines in our household - they help life tick along more smoothly. But with their many benefits, there does come a risk of things getting a little stale. And sometimes, it's good to take a step back and mix it up a little bit. So this weekend, it was out with the regular pancakes for breakfast and in with a batch of cinnamon buns.
And voila, a new routine is born. The recipe is here (thank you Emily). I've baked cinnamon buns before using a Nigella recipe, but they make such a ridiculously large batch that we waste loads and they always seem to catch on the top before they are cooked through.
In contrast, these were the perfect amount for the 4 of us, cooked perfectly in 15 minutes and were delicious. As evidenced by the plate.
The plate which my children are now responsible for loading into the dishwasher. Yes, we had a serious chore allocation discussion over the buns. Do you like my tactics? Sweeten them up and then go for the jugular.
So Johnny is on cutlery loading and rounding up all dirty laundry and Mark does cups and glasses and puts the bins in and out. We'll see if those new routines are as popular as the buns in due course!
We must be on a cinnamon wavelength - I made cinnamon toast for the kids this weekend for the first time - it was a hit - not only for the kids but for my waistline - yum
Posted by: claire | 08 February 2009 at 23:08
They look great. I've just finished a bowl of porridge but I wish I'd had cinnamon buns. I like your tactics for the job allocating!
Posted by: Gina | 09 February 2009 at 08:43
I will be making those.
We have done the chore allocation thing here too.
Good luck with that!
Posted by: bluemountainsmary | 09 February 2009 at 09:31
Just saw these over on flickr and came straight over - they look lovely. I will definitely be trying this one!
Posted by: Helen | 09 February 2009 at 10:26
THey look delish! Will have to try those for sure
Clare x
Posted by: Clare | 09 February 2009 at 11:04
oh you have read my mind! I'm just trying to work out what chores can safely be allocated to a disabled 8 year old - you've prompted me to take this thought process more seriously.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 09 February 2009 at 11:57
Those look very good. Fifteen minutes? Even I could manage that on a Saturday.
We have 'take your plates into the kitchen' and 'put your shoes on the rack', and a little chart. Seems to be working, at least with the 6 year old. The 4 year old needs a bit of reminding ...
Posted by: dottycookie | 09 February 2009 at 12:30
buns look delish. Like the sweetener idea too (wonder if it would work on husbands...might be worth a try!)
Posted by: Julie | 09 February 2009 at 14:24
These look perfect for a Saturday morning breakfast--followed by a round of chores! It is an ongoing battle to keep my boys doing their assigned jobs around the house, but after a year of enforcement, they seem to at least accept that chores aren't optional.
Off to print out the recipe ...
fraces
Posted by: frances | 09 February 2009 at 14:56
Oh yummy! I'm off to follow that link now! And I love your idea of sweetening them up before allocating the work!!!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 09 February 2009 at 16:09
I made cinnamon and cardamon buns yesterday...more like rock cakes! Yours look infinitely yummier...hope the bribery works, too!
Posted by: Pebbledash | 09 February 2009 at 16:29
I'll be interested to know how your chore allocation goes ... in this house they seem to last for 48 hrs and then it all slides :-(
Nice buns ;-) x
Posted by: Kitty | 09 February 2009 at 20:46
Cinnamon buns to aid in chore allocation? I will definitely have to try that!
Posted by: Alexis | 09 February 2009 at 21:27
Did you use fast acting yeast (like for bread makers) or live?
C
x
Posted by: Clare | 09 February 2009 at 21:39
One of my memories from childhood is a very complicated rota for chores. This brought out all the personality traits that I now see in my siblings as adults including negotiation skills,deviousness and forgetfulness. I cannot pretend it was a wild success but I suppose it created a sense of responsibility.
Posted by: Alice C | 09 February 2009 at 23:21
I'm such a dope. I just commented on your lovely buns on your previous post. Sure sign I need coffee!!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 10 February 2009 at 08:58
Your cinnamon buns look amazing. I remember my cousin making these in the morning (they live in Sweden) and the smell and taste is just so lovely. I must make some!
Thanks so much for the link to the reciepe.
Mary
Posted by: Mary | 10 February 2009 at 12:18
mmm i would do chores for some of those buns!
Posted by: ginny | 10 February 2009 at 15:55
The buns look gorgeous, I often make cinnamon buns but use a Tessa Kiros recipe and freeze half of them. I think I will try your version next time.
Now, I will be very curious to know how your chore allocation goes, I would love to put my children to work but haven't managed it so far, your plan sounds splendid.
Posted by: Rebecca | 10 February 2009 at 17:01
Mmmmm!!! Yummy!!!!
Posted by: Thimbleina | 10 February 2009 at 17:54
Aaah, cinnamon buns... It's been a long time since I've had those. I had a Swedish friend at uni who introduced me to them and I've loved them ever since. Might indulge in a little baking too next weekend. :-)
And I'm longing for the moment when I can allocate chores like that to my kids. Alas, a 2 1/2 year old and a 3 month old don't take to that yet!
Posted by: Iris | 10 February 2009 at 19:20
Sounds like a good routine to me!
The cinnamon buns look lovely - I will have to make some, I've never had them before.
Posted by: lazylol | 11 February 2009 at 19:51
oooh! Yum! I like the look of those very much. x
Posted by: Florence | 12 February 2009 at 19:48
Hi, i've given you an award, please check it out
April xx
Posted by: April | 13 February 2009 at 15:12
Hey, that looks like my plates! Is it Denby?
Posted by: Amy | 21 February 2009 at 04:46