Cinnamon Sugar Twists

New Year's Day 2024. Black-eyed peas and greens and cornbread and Shanice's cabbage and the full tradition at the table, which this year includes Caleb in a high chair at the edge of the table — not yet eating solids, still on milk, but physically at the table in his chair, present, part of the table layout for the first time. CJ sat next to him. Shanice sat next to CJ. This is the arrangement going forward and it fits.

I said grace and looked at the table: two children, two spouses, one grandchild, the traditions of two families's New Year tables merged into one. Caleb's eyes were wide and interested. He grabbed the edge of the table with both hands and pulled himself forward like he was trying to get closer to the food, which he cannot eat but which he can apparently smell, which I find exactly correct. He knows where he is. He knows the kitchen is where things happen. He is already paying attention. Good. Paying attention is the first skill.

I called James and Dorothy at noon. Dorothy answered. She said, Happy New Year, Loretta. I said, Happy New Year, Dorothy. She said, here's to the year we need. I said, yes. I said, how are you? She said, I am well. She said it with the specific weight of a woman who has earned the right to say it and knows it. I am well. Not performing, not provisional. Well. I said, I'm glad. She said, I know. Then she said, James wants to talk, and handed him the phone, and I could hear in the background the sound of her kitchen going, something on the stove, someone cooking because they can and because it is good and because the year is new and they are in it.

After I hung up the phone with James and Dorothy, after the peas and greens and Shanice’s cabbage had been passed and eaten and the cornbread was mostly gone, I put these cinnamon sugar twists on the table — warm from the oven, nothing complicated, just something golden and sweet to close out the meal. They were gone before Caleb fell asleep in CJ’s arms. That felt right. A table that full deserves something simple at the end, something that asks nothing of anyone except that they reach for it.

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 24 twists

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (one 17.3 oz package)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat oven. Heat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Make cinnamon sugar. Stir together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt in a small bowl until evenly combined.
Prepare the pastry. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush generously with half the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with half the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently so it adheres.
Cut and twist. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into strips about 3/4 inch wide. Take each strip and twist it 4—5 times from end to end, then lay it on the prepared baking sheet. Press the ends lightly onto the pan so they hold their shape. Repeat with the second pastry sheet.
Egg wash. Brush the tops of the twists lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake. Bake for 12—15 minutes, until puffed, crisp, and deep golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through for even browning.
Cool slightly and serve. Let the twists rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring. Serve warm or at room temperature. They are best the day they are made.

Nutrition (per serving)

Cinnamon Sugar Twists — Something Sweet for the Table That Now Has Everyone at It