Rock To Wind A String Around

So, back in the dark ages, my parents, who were both born in Philadelphia (or ’round those parts) moved the five of us to Florida.  Although we missed a good many things about our suburban Philadephian lifestyle–our relatives, good schools, sidewalks, what we missed most often was the food.  A whole world of food was left behind when we moved south.  A few years after we moved, my mother found a recipe for Philadelphia-style sticky buns.  These buns are a slightly sweetened yeast roll, filled with a cinnamon swirl,  topped with a sticky brown sugar syrup, and studded with nuts and raisins.   This is not a roll to be confused with a Cinnabon.

My mom began to bake these each year for Christmas morning.  A once-a-year treat, we all loved them and looked forward to our annual taste of Philadelphia.  Once I was married and began celebrating Christmas morning under my own Christmas tree, the recipe appeared in my mailbox so I could continue the tradition, and I have, since 1996.

This year, things looked a little doubtful.  Yeasty sweet rolls are pretty incompatible with a gluten free life, but I was determined to give it a try.   Behold!  the majesty:

(okay, I threw her in for good measure)

and the tradition:

May your holiday be full of the same.