Christmas Morning Traditions and Good Eats

Ever since I was little, my Mom would have Russian Tea simmering in the crockpot and Butterscotch rolls baking in the oven for our Christmas breakfast.  Now that I have kids I find myself keeping this tradition alive and we look forward to it every year.  We have had to change the butterscotch rolls up a bit because we can no longer have the frozen Rhodes rolls, but this year I finally was able to perfect them.  Thank goodness because I was getting very upset about ruining the rolls the past 2 years!!

Russian Tea

2 C sugar
2 C water
2 Quarts water
2 C orange juice
3/4 C lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond flavoring

In saucepan combine sugar and 2 C water and bring to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the rest of the ingredients in your crockpot and get it heating up. 
When sugar water is done boiling add to your crockpot and allow to heat through. 
Drink up!

Butterscotch Rolls

1 C warm water
1 egg
2 Tbsp melted butter
3 1/4 C flour
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp yeast

Place ingredients in order given into your bread machine and set on dough cycle.
Once done, remove and separate into 12-18 equal size rolls.

Combine:
1 3/4 ounce box of butterscotch pudding mix (NOT instant)
1/4 C sugar
1/2 C chopped nuts (we like pecans)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 C brown sugar

Melt 1/4 butter.

Dip roll in butter and roll in pudding mixture to coat well.  Place in greased bundt pan and repeat.
Cover and allow to rise until double.
Bake in 350* oven for 20-25 minutes or until browned.

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

1/2 C butter
5 Tbsp flour
5 C milk
Pint of half and half
2 heads of broccoli, chopped
Onion, chopped
7 chicken bouillon cubes
garlic powder
16 oz Velveeta

Melt butter over medium heat in saucepan.  Whisk in flour and allow to cook for 1 minute.  Slowly add in milk and continue to stir for about 5 minutes.

Transfer to large stockpot and add the rest of the ingredients, except the Velveeta.  Allow to simmer until the broccoli and onion are tender.

Add cheese and heat soup through over medium heat.