Amish Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

GLORIA TALKS ABOUT HER MOM AND SERVES UP HOMEMADE AMISH CARAMEL CINNAMON ROLLS

Photo: captions, a welcoming sign at Gloria's Mom's door and homemade caramel cinnamon rolls like these that I spotted at an Amish bake sale in Virginia.

THE AMISH COOK
BY GLORIA YODER

Hello to one and all!
This week I would like to introduce you to someone who means a lot to me, someone who has played one of the most important roles in my life (that is besides my husband!). I have many friends who are very near and dear to me, but this particular person has probably done more for me than anyone else ever has. You guessed it! It's my dear mother (Dorcas Raber). Little did I know or was even able to fathom what my parents have done for me until I had a child of my own. Caring for the many needs and demands of a newborn as well as facing the challenges of training and teaching a young child are all weighty responsibilities. Then, of course, teenagers and with them a whole new set of challenges.

As a little girl I wanted to be like my Mom. I recall times when we sat down together for a little snack of saltine crackers and bell peppers slices that Mom had canned at that time. I really wasn't fond of the taste of those peppers. I munched them down all the same, though, simply because I wanted to do what she did and I know she was proud of me.
As a family we had many good times together in spite of the trials we met along the way. The month of September brought back memories of my two stillborn sisters. They were born 4 years apart and both had September birthdays. As a young girl I had been all excited when my parents told me that there was a tiny baby on the way. Our hopes and dreams were dashed twice when we faced the devastation of their deaths prior to their birthdays. It was an intense time of struggling for me. We had had so much fun dreaming and planning about the arrival of a newborn baby. It felt like my whole world came crashing down on top of me but through it all God proved His love and faithfulness to us. He hurts with us when we grieve yet wisely doesn't give us all we want. It was also a tough time for my mother yet through it all she didn't lose her faith in God. This experience had a drawing effect on our family, it drew us closer to one another and the Lord. I was also blessed with two more sweet little sisters who we dearly love and treasure.
My life keeps changing. I now have a wonderful husband who cares for me yet my mother plays an important part in my life. She is still always there for me whether it’s with a listening ear or a helping hand. Our house is less than a quarter mile from theirs so, yes I'm spoiled. She's always concerned that I'm okay and not working too hard. This week she promised to help me with some painting so I look forward to having her assistance with that!
Mom, along with my sisters and sister-in-law plan to help me with my work after the baby arrives. In fact, Mom will probably be the one filling in for me in writing my weekly letters so hopefully you'll get more of an inside view of their lives as well.
We're very excited for the arrival of our little one in a month from now, Lord willing. There are still some things on my list that I'd like to cross off before then. I'm hoping to be able to wrap up all my cleaning and painting by the end of this week. Several church ladies kindly helped wash off the walls and ceilings throughout the house as well as cleaned windows. It gave me a tremendous lift. Next week comes the fun part. I want to get the bassinet ready, wash newborn clothes, etc. Time keeps moving on rapidly so hopefully the baby will be here before we know it.

Amish Caramel Cinnamon Rolls are sure to be a hit in your household!

This week I decided to share one of my mother's recipes with you. I debated quite a bit on which one I should use. Finally I decided on her cinnamon rolls. After all what is more inviting than opening the door at Mom’s house and having the fresh aroma of cinnamon rolls there to greet you?

Homemade Caramel Cinnamon Rolls