The Desert Dish

Please use THIS LINK to see the August edition of AZA's E-newsletter: The Desert Dish. Happy Friday!

A Day of Fun

Here at AZA we certainly work hard. Below is the evidence that we play hard as well! Here are some pictures from our recent AZA Fun Day:

Hot and Sticky?

El Chorro Lodge’s Infamous (Secret) Sticky Buns Recipe

Ingredients:

Buns:
2 envelopes active dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water

1 2/3 cups warm milk
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5 cups all purpose flour

Cinnamon Smear:
1/4 cup water
3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) (softened)

Caramel Smear:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) (softened)
1/2 cup corn syrup or maple syrup
2 Tablespoons water

1/4 cup water

Process:

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/3 cup of warm water, in a mixing bowl. Beat and then let the mixture sit for five minutes until foamy.

2. Combine 1 2/3 cup warm milk, 3 Tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 3 Tablespoons of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix well.

3. Next, gradually mix in the yeast mixture. Then add 2 cups of all purpose flour and mix well. Continue, adding the remaining 3 cups of flour to form a soft, sticky dough.

4. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1 minute to form a smooth dough ball. Place the dough ball in a large, lightly greased bowl. Turn the dough to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm place for 40 minutes to allow the dough to rise.

5. In the meantime, in a clean mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of water and 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Next, add in 1 ½ cup light brown sugar and ½ cup (one stick) of softened butter. Mix until smooth to form a cinnamon smear.

6. In another clean mixing bowl, Combine 2 cups of light brown sugar, 1 cup (two sticks) of softened butter, syrup and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until smooth to form a caramel smear.

7. After 40 minutes, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide the dough ball into 2 equal parts. Place one half of the dough back in the bowl and recover.

8. Roll the remaining portion of the dough into a 9”x18” rectangle.

9. Spread the cinnamon smear evenly over the dough. (Be sure to spread evenly and thinly or you will have a mess on your hands).

10. Roll the dough and smear up to enclose the filling. Pinch closed the seam to insure it is sealed. Cut into 1 1/2 – inch pieces.

11. Repeat steps 8-10 with the remaining dough ball.

12. Spread half of the caramel smear in a 9”x13” baking pan and arrange the rolls in a single layer in the pan. Spread the top of the rolls with the remaining caramel smear. Let the rolls rise for 30 minutes.

13. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Sprinkle ¼ cup water evenly over the rolls and place on the middle of the oven rack. (I suggest placing a large foil-lined baking sheet under the pan to catch any drips).

14. Bake for 10 minutes. Gently press the rolls down with a metal spatula.

15. Bake for an additional 20 minutes longer until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow for the rolls to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!

IncentiveWorks 2011 - Toronto

AZA Events President, Lori James, is getting excited to return to Toronto for the 10th year to participate in IncentiveWorks, August 23rd – 24th, 2011. IncentiveWorks is a leading, well-known industry trade show for meeting and event planners that brings together hoteliers, DMCs and other industry related professionals together for a 2 day event. AZA Events will have a booth in conjunction with the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Booth #1723. Come visit us to see why Scottsdale and Arizona is one of the US leading incentive and meeting destination.

Stunning Scottsdale!

When you think of Scottsdale, what comes to mind? Sophistication, charm, energy... Check out this exciting video which is surely to inspire you to host your next event in our backyard!