Juniata County Dairy Promotion Juniata County Dairy Princess Kera Bentz

Did I hear someone say love is in the air? With Valentine’s day right around the corner, what’s a better time to celebrate our love for our favorite agriculture commodity: dairy.

This is dairy princess Kera Bentz, here to remind you of a couple of reasons why you should love dairy as much as I do. Not only does dairy build our bones big and strong, it also has 13 essential nutrients that help our body in many different ways. Additionally it provides protein needed for all that energy we need on Valentine’s day to eat all those chocolate goodies. Not only does dairy provide nutritious foods it also gives us some of our favorite treats like ice cream. Speaking of ice cream, did you know ice cream is actually the number one favorite dessert in America. Now, don’t worry. I have more fun dairy facts for you to share this Valentine’s Day.

1. It only takes about 5-7 minutes for a cow to be milked.

2. Cows drink 30-50 gallons (about a bathtub full) of water each day.

3. The average dairy cow weighs 1,200 pounds.

4. A cow has one stomach with four compartments.

5. Cows eat about 100 pounds of feed a day, which is like eating 600 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

6. The average cow chews about 50 times a minute.

7. Cows have 32 teeth total, but they do not have top front teeth. Instead, they have a tough pad.

8. Dairy cows can produce 125 pounds of saliva a day.

That’s all the fun facts for the day, but let’s not forget the most important part of Valentine’s Day, the food. Dairy helps us make some very moo-licious desserts, but today I’m going to share with you one of my favorites.

Red velvet cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

• 1 package red velvet cake mix (regular size)

• 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

• 1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Icing

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk

Step 1: Combine cake mix, 1 cup flour and yeast. Add water; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 6-8 times. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 2: Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll dough into an 18 x 10 inch rectangle. Brush with melted butter to within 1/4 inch of edges; sprinkle with sugar mixture.

Step 3: Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut crosswise into 12 slices. Place cut sides up in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake until puffed and light brown, 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly.

Step 5: Beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk to reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle icing over warm rolls and enjoy.