Darnell Reed – Chef/Owner, Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Luella’s Southern Kitchen is located at 4609 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

https://www.luellassouthernkitchen.com/

Mother’s Day will be the first day these Sticky Buns will be part of our brunch menu. And they will offer a complementary pecan praline to every mom on Mother’s Day.

Call to make reservations! 773-961-8196

Hours:

Wednesday-Friday — 5pm-9pm

Saturday & Sunday — 10am-3pm & 5pm-9pm

Recipe:

Sticky Buns

Dough:

3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons yeast 

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup cake flour

2 cups extra large eggs 

1 sticks butter melted

1 tablespoons salt 

Combine the yeast, water and sugar. Whisk and let stand for about 5 minutes. 

Add the eggs, butter and mix on just below medium speed on a stand mixer. Slowly add all the remaining ingredients and continue mixing until the dough comes together.

Store in a greased bowl wrapped in plastic and in a warm place. Let rise for 90 minutes, punch down and allow it to rise another 45 minutes. 

*If making the night before, use instant yeast and after you punch down, then put in the refrigerator until ready to roll.

Caramel Sauce:

1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Pinch Sea Salt 
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon  Sugar 

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup corn syrup

Combine the cream, vanilla and salt in a saucepan on medium heat and bring to a simmer occasionally whisking. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

Bring the sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil over high heat stirring constantly. Reduce to medium high heat and cook without stirring until the is deep golden brown or the temperature reaches 352. 

Carefully add a small amount of the hot cream at a time on low heat and bring to a full boil constantly whisking.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

2 cups dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 stick butter melted 

Combine the cinnamon and sugar thoroughly with hands. Set the butter aside. 

Toasted Pecans:

2 cups pecans

Toast 350 for 9 minutes 

To assemble:

Lightly flour a cutting board and roll the dough about 8 by 12 inches. Brush with melted butter and spread the cinnamon sugar mixture and finally roll into a log.

Slice into 12 slices. 

Spray a baking 12×10 baking dish. Top with pecans and drizzle with a cup of caramel and lastly top with the cinnamon rolls.

Allow to double in size at room temperate and bake in a 400 degree oven for 12-16 minutes.

Flip them over where the pecans are now on top and drizzle with another cup of caramel and serve.