One year ago today, I pushed the publish button for the first time not knowing what I was getting into nor where this would lead. A year later I am pushing that same button for the 203rd time, looking back at a wonderful journey from there to here.
A journey that taught me many lessons..
- Instead of trying to imitate other people, find your own voice, be yourself. As John Jakes puts it:
- Always challenge yourself. Push the limit and try something new. The sky is the limit to what you can do and achieve so dream big
- Slow down, open your eyes and enjoy the gift of ordinary days: most of us wait for events or people to make us happy. I have heard so many people say “I will be happy WHEN…” X,Y or Z happens.We wait for a great job, a long vacation, to get married, have kids, wait for the kids to grow.Stop waiting and enjoy the simple joys, the pleasures of ordinary days. A good meal, a great book, a walk with a friend, bed time story with your kids, a blooming flower, the feeling of rain on your face. Stop waiting and start living.
Before I get to the cinnamon bread recipe I would like to thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey, for being my motivation and inspiration.Whether you are a supportive friend, a silent reader or one who leaves me comment, a blogger friend who supports and inspires or a loving parent who is always there with a smile and words of encouragement. To you all, from the bottom of my heart…
I have been thinking about what recipe to share today for some time and I decided on this one for a simple reason. At first glance it looks complicated and time consuming but if you break it down, you’ll find out it is a really simple and easy recipe. I believe that the same rule applies to any challenge in life. No matter how hard it may seem on the out side, if you take it step by step with enough determination and passion you will make it through every time. 
This cinnamon sweet bread is a true treat. Warm out of the oven with a cup of tea it makes a wonderful breakfast or a great way to entertain friends. The cardamom in the dough is optional but I strongly recommend you give it a try. You won’t be able to taste it as such in the final product but it compliments the cinnamon beautifully.
Cinnamon sweet bread
1/4 cup (60 ml) warm water
3/4 cup warm milk
1 egg
1/4 cup (57 gram) butter, softened
1/4 cup (50 gram) white sugar
1/2 teaspoon (2 grams)salt
3 1/4 tp 3 1/2 cups ( 416-448 gram) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons (8 grams) dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon (1 gram)cardamom optional
For topping
1/4 cup (60ml) of milk
1 tablespoon (14 gm)sugar
Between the layers
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
For drizzling
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
In a bowl whisk the egg with milk, water, sugar, butter and yeast.
Set aside
In another bowl sift the flour with the salt and the cardamom .
Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until you get a smooth dough.
Place it in a bowl you have brushed with some oil and cover it with a wet cloth and leave it in a warm place to double
(If you are tight on time you can heat your oven to 200 C then turn it off and place your dough in a glass bowl and place it in the warm oven with the wet cloth covering the bowl)
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface
Divide the dough into 4 parts
Roll each part into a circle
see the little specks of cardamom in the dough?
Brush the first layer with butter then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon
Place the second layer and repeat the brushing and sprinkling and then do the same with the third layer.
Top with the fourth layer, this time only brush it with butter.
Using a knife make cuts that divide the dough circles into 8 triangles
Then make cuts that go 2/3 of the way in the middle of each triangle
Take the tip of each triangle and insert it into the cut you made and pull it from the underside
Arrange the triangles in your baking pan
Pinch the two angles at the base of the triangle together
Using a brush, brush the dough with milk
allow to rest for 15 minutes during which you would heat your oven to 270C (500F) (rack in the middle)
Bake for 5 minutes on 270C (500F) then lower the temperature to 200 C (400 F) and bake for 15-20 more minutes (ovens do differ greatly, so the time may differ..what you want is to bake it until the under side is golden brown)
Turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes until it is golden brown on top
Take it out of the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rick and drizzle with sweetened condensed milk while it is still warm
louise
/ May 6, 2013I saw a picture of this bread, was fascinated by it, and will make it, but I’m commenting because of your message before the recipe. Your words are truly inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing them. Although I’m probably twice your age, I find that reaching for new goals has made my retirement years tremendously rich and rewarding, and I’ve achieved in my later years more than I ever thought possible.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ May 6, 2013Thank you Louise for taking the time to leave me this comment.
I couldn’t agree with you more, and I love the way you put it. Reaching goals and then setting new ones makes life so much richer
Rebecca Perzyk
/ January 21, 2013Super delicious, thank you for sharing! It’s a keeper!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ January 21, 2013Really glad you enjoyed it Rebecca
Crista
/ December 2, 2012This recipe is absolutely wonderful. I made it tonight, it smells and tastes divine. Thank you very much for sharing! Big Hug
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ December 2, 2012Thank you so much Crista for your comment and for the hug. I am really happy the cinnamon sweet bread was to your liking
Sahar
/ November 28, 2012Happy one year blogging Sawsan, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found your blog. Way to go! I am with you on each year of celebrating.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ November 28, 2012Thank you kindly Sahar..
I am the one who is happy you like my blog so much
Anonymous
/ July 24, 2012made this! it was awesome! “was” as in we ate it all
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ July 24, 2012Really glad it was awesome and that you enjoyed it
Thank you for taking the time to let me know
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
/ July 21, 2012Hi Sawsan, I’m new to your blog but just saw this photo at Maureen’s. What a gorgeous bread! I’m looking forward to peeking around at more of your recipes
.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ July 21, 2012Hello Laura. Thank you very much for stopping by. Looking forward to hearing what you think of the other recipes
Tia the Baker
/ June 30, 2012that is so cool! i love the shaping of it – i am going to try it.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ June 30, 2012Thank you Tia. I am glad you like it and look forward to hearing about what you think of it after trying
beccysfoodies
/ March 18, 2012as the biggest cinnamon lover i can say THIS LOOKS AMAZING! this is so my next project!!
loving the blog
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ March 18, 2012Thank you Rebacca, I look forward to hearing how it turns out
Thank you for stopping by and for your comment
AvocadoPesto
/ February 28, 2012Happy 1 year blog anniversary. This cinnamon sweet bread looks absolutely gorgeous! Probably the prettiest recipe I’ve seen in a while!
Deeps @ Naughty Curry
/ February 23, 2012wow!! this looks so fancy, like its freshly baked in some french bakery… hats off to u. congrats on the big milestone… two years, awesome!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Thank you so much Deeps. Glad you like it, it may look fancy but it is really simple and easy to make
Karen
/ February 22, 2012Oh my! What a beautiful gift you have given us to celebrate your one year of blogging. Congratulations…I’m really looking forward to your next year.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 26, 2012Thank you so much Karen, I am honored to have wonderful people like you along for the journey
Charles
/ February 21, 2012Huge congratulations on your first year in blogging Sawsan – it’s a really nice feeling isn’t it? It’s been nice discovering your blog and here’s to many more food-filled years!
This cinnamon bread looks incredible – so intricate, like a work of art. It must have taken ages to make?!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much Charles…it is a wonderful feeling and the best part is getting to meet amazing talented people like yourself.
The bread is really much easier than it looks and doesn’t take that long to make
kitchenbelleicious
/ February 21, 2012Look at how freakin amazing that design is! I am in awe with your abilities! Its amazing and congrats on one AWESOME year of blogging! Keep it up because I love to see what you come up with!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much Jessica. You were always very supportive and kind. I deeply appreciate it
Priya Sreeram
/ February 21, 2012lovely post; hearty congrats on your blog turning one; wishes for awesome milestones ahead
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much Priya for the sweet wishes
Gourmantine
/ February 20, 2012Happy blog anniversary Sawsan, your blog is always such a delight to read, wishing many more anniversaries to come!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much Gourmantine, I really appreciate your sweet comment. You have been a great inspiration for me this year
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
/ February 20, 2012Congrats on one year! You have had a great year. This bread looks fantastic. We love cinnamon anything in this house, and this is gorgeous!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 23, 2012Thank you so much Erin, we love anything cinnamon here too
niasunset
/ February 20, 2012And sure, congratulations one one year, dear Sawsan, Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 27, 2012Thank you so much sweeet Nia..I deeply appreciate it
niasunset
/ February 20, 2012WOW! This is so artistic… like a sculpture in the kitchen… But yes, I can imagine how beautifully smells these breads… I love cinnamon… You are so creative Thank you deat Sawsan, have a nice week, with my love, nia
Tandy
/ February 20, 2012congratulations on your one year bloggaversary
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 27, 2012Thank you Tandy..you are too kind
Hotly Spiced
/ February 20, 2012That looks so pretty. What a talent you have. Great recipe. Thanks for sharing all the detailed photos. And congrats on your first year! That’s a wonderful milestone.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 27, 2012Thank you do much!
I am really glad you found the step by step pictures helpful
Korena in the Kitchen
/ February 20, 2012What a gorgeous recipe to celebrate your one year anniversary! Congratulations Sawsan, here’s to many more years of cooking, photos, and writing! I am definitely going to try this technique
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 27, 2012Thank you Korena, I really appreciate your sweet comment
....RaeDi
/ February 20, 2012Congratulations for one year on your blog, you have given so much of yourself to so many. I am so pleased that you are a part of my life! This dish is incredibly beautiful. One I will be sure to try and soon! I will let you know how it turns out!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 27, 2012I am the one who is inspired to have you as a part of my life..Thank you RaeDi for everything
I look forward to hearing what you think when you try this
thedrivencook
/ February 20, 2012Congrats to a year of blogging- I hope you have many more!
Your cinnamon sweet bread is beautiful- wow! Lovely presentation!
Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
/ February 19, 2012Congratulations on your one year anniversary Sawsan; I’ve truly enjoyed reading your blog and have been inspired to try some of your recipes (croissants and scones to name a couple). This cinnamon bread looks amazing and I love that it looks like a flower about ready to burst open! I will bookmark this one for the future! Hope you enjoy many more wonderful blogging years.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 20, 2012Thank you kindly Eva, I was honored each time you mentioned me or tried my recipes. I love your recipes and posts and your olive bread knots are a house favorite now
Noha
/ February 19, 2012Congrats on completing one year ,I’m lucky to find your blog, tried some of your recipes already and liked them .
planning to try this thanks
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 19, 2012Thank you so much Noha
I am glad you enjoyed my recipes and look forward to hearing what you think of new ones you try
Flavors of the Sun
/ February 19, 2012Congratulations on one year of blogging! Gorgeous bread–so glad you put the step0by-step photos!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 19, 2012Thank you very much. Glad you found the pictures helpful, I thought writing the steps without pictures will make this look too difficult
thebigfatnoodle
/ February 18, 2012Oh goodness! Firstly, congrats! Secondly, WOW! I just made some cinnamon twists to post next week but am embarrassed they look nothing like these! Seriously, wow!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 19, 2012Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I am sure your cinnamon twists look beautiful and taste heavenly and I look forward to seeing them
spree
/ February 18, 2012Positively beautiful creation Sawsan! Like the sun itself, or a blooming flower, or an origami out of silk paper! The recipe sounds as lovely as your photos look! And the addition of cardamom sounds just right to my mind!
And on the subject of your anniversary – just LOOK at what you’ve accomplished, learned and shared in one (giant) year! May your next be as full as this has been. We so look forward to showing up to see what Sawsan’s got cooking!
tanja@tanjascookingcorner
/ February 18, 2012Happy 1st anniversary, dear friend!!! Wish you many many more to come!!
The cinnamom bread is a wonderful treat, I can only imagine the magical smell of cinnamon and raising dough while baking… It’s on my MUST-Try list, of course!
Joan Hayes@chocolate and more
/ February 18, 2012This is so beautiful! Will have to make this, your pictures make it all look so easy. Pinned!
mariscallahan
/ February 18, 2012Congratulations on a fabulous year!
Mama J
/ February 18, 2012Those are beautiful! Congratulations on one year!
Maureen
/ February 18, 2012These look SO good!! A comment might put a smile on YOUR face but these little bread thingies would do it for me!
Chica Andaluza
/ February 18, 2012What a stunning recipe and an absolutely incredible presentation of the dish! This would definitiely be one for me to make and impress the family….and I would use the cardamom. Congratulations to you on a year of blogging – it´s a great feeling isn´t it. And I know I love to follow your blog and learn about foods and recipes which are new to me.
Misbah/Cupcakeluvs
/ February 18, 2012delicious sweet bread. Thanks for shareing this recepie and congratulations with 1st boggeversery.
Just A Smidgen
/ February 18, 2012These are just stunning!! What a perfect recipe to celebrate with! Congratulations!!!
filingawaycupcakes
/ February 18, 2012This is just gorgeous, thank you for continuing to post, and congratulations on your 1yr!
kankana
/ February 18, 2012Congrats on complete a year my dear and I hope you have many many many more of such celebration! I love how to shaped the bread .. so cute and fancy.
mjskit
/ February 18, 2012I knew it was going to be good when I saw the picture! Oh My! What a great celebration of year one! Congratulations!!!! This cinnamon sweet bread is breathtaking in so many ways!
Savory Simple
/ February 18, 2012Congratulations on your milestone! The bread looks amazing.
ChgoJohn
/ February 18, 2012Congratulations, Sawsan, on your 1st anniversary! It has been my pleasure getting to know you through your one-of-a-kind blog entires. Today’s post is a case in point: a delicious recipe, wonderfully presented, and photographed quite beautifully. I look forward to getting to know you better in the years to come.
ceciliag
/ February 18, 2012This is an amazing recipe, so gorgeous and just right for this celebratory moment. What you said about breaking the big scary jobs into tiny manageable steps is the most important lesson ever.. i call it one corner at a time or step, peck, step, peck.. Wonderful advice. Congratulations, and I for one am SO grateful that you pushed that little publish button one year ago!! c
Shelley C
/ February 18, 2012Congratulations and happy blog-aversary! I can’t believe it’s only been a year – you have accomplished so much and inspired me in so many ways. I look forward to being a loyal reader for many, many years to come.
And this bread is stunningly beautiful!! I want to try it, but doubt I can recreate that gorgeous flower.
fati's recipes
/ February 18, 2012Congrats on reaching this milestone….I’m not too far off my 1st blogiversary, too
These buns/bread looks amazing! I love when something looks complicated and pretty but is actually super easy! Thanks of sharing this recipe, and the many beautiful ones you have in the past year 
Bam's Kitchen
/ February 18, 2012Happy Birthday Chef in Disguise! This pastry looks like something that should be on the cover of gourmet magazine. Thanks for the step by step instructions to show how you made the design. Looking forward to many more years of recipes. Take care, BAM
saffronandhoney
/ February 18, 2012Congratulations! And that is a beyond beautiful sweet bread.
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
/ February 18, 2012You ate AMAZING! This is the prettiest bread I have ever seen. Congratulations on your one year of blogging! We are so lucky to have you on the blogosphere my friend.
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide
/ February 18, 2012I am glad you stopped imitating me. Kidding, you are unique and coming here is always a pleasure. This is the prettiest pull apart bread I’ve ever seen. Congrats on one year!
deelicioussweets
/ February 18, 2012What a beautiful bread! My mouth is watering! Great post write up to celebrate your first year. Happy blogaversary
A_Boleyn
/ February 18, 2012An amazing presentation of a simple sweet dough.
Will have to record the technique.
A_Boleyn
/ February 18, 2012PS: I just realized that I forgot to congratulate you on your one year blogging anniversary. I was just too amazed by the sweet bread.
Congratulations and many more.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 19, 2012Thank you so much for taking the time to come back just to congratulate me. I deeply appreciate it
Kristy
/ February 18, 2012Congratulations on one year of blogging Sawsan! I’m so happy to have found your blog. Your words are always so inspirational – I swear sometimes I feel like they were meant for exactly what I happen to be going through on a given day.
(Today’s being no exception.) You have a fantastic voice and who you are comes across so well in your words and your cooking. I wish you many more wonderful years of blogging. 
And as for this cinnamon sweet bread…Wow! You have got this bread and presentation thing down – from your scones to your croissants! It’s amazing. These look delicious and with your expert tutorial I think I might even be able to pull these off. Cinnamon bread is a BIG favorite in my family and I know they would all enjoy this. Congratulations again!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 21, 2012Thank you Kristy. I can’t tell you how much your comment meant to me.
It has been my pleasure to get to know you and your blog over the past year, you have been a great inspiration and motivation
Donna
/ February 18, 2012I cannot wait to try this for myself. I like to cook something that looks as interesting as it tastes. Thank you for sharing.
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 21, 2012I love the way you put it Donna, I look forward to hearing what you think of it
Nami | Just One Cookbook
/ February 18, 2012Happy Blogiversary Sawsan! I read your lessons you learned and I think you are doing excellent job following what you learned. Continue what you have been doing because you are already amazing. More successful years are coming!
And look at this amazing cinnamon bread. I’m sure it taste wonderful, but I’ve never seen a bread folded like this ever! So beautiful I just dropped my mouth open. Oh yeah, I don’t forget to pin this. This bread has to be seen by many many people! Congrats again on your anniversary!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 21, 2012Thank you Nami. You are always thoughtful and sweet, coming from a talented blogger like yourself, your words mean a lot.
I really appreciate you pinning this and the fact that you like the recipe. As I said in the post, it may look difficult but it really isn’t.
Courtney
/ February 18, 2012You are such an inspiration to me in the kitchen, Sawsan! Congrats on one fabulous year and an even better one to come. Hugs to you!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 21, 2012Thank you Courtney. I am honored to be an inspiration to you. Thank you for the heart warming comment and for the hugs
Ginger
/ February 18, 2012Happy blogaverssary!! I am so blessed to know you, Sawsan, here’s to another wonderful year of talent! Yummy yummy you always make me hungry, these look incredible!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 21, 2012I am the one who is blessed to know someone who is an inspiration like you Ginger..
Thank you for all the support and sweet comments over the past year
Shumaila
/ February 18, 2012Congratulations on one year, Sawsan! That bread is so beautifully laid out! Love it! And thanks for giving us one year of some truly great recipes! Wish you many more years of blogging!:)
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 21, 2012Thank you Shumaila. I deeply appreciate your sweet comment
Anonymous
/ February 18, 2012Awesome!!! I enjoy your Blog!
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
/ February 21, 2012Thank you so much