Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1/4 cup sugar

1 pkg (1/4 oz) rapid-rise yeast

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup apple cider (or juice)

1/4 cup unsalted butter + 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided

1 large egg

2 cups finely chopped and peeled Granny Smith (or other tart) apples

1 1/4 packed brown sugar

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 Tbs ground cinnamon

Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting

2 cups apple cider (or juice)

1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches long)

1 pkg (8-0z) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup confectioner's sugar

Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cider and 1/4 cup butter. Heat to 120 - 130°F. Add to dry ingredients and beat until just moistened. Add egg and beat until smooth. Mix in enough remaining flour to form a soft, sticky dough.

Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 - 8 minutes. Cover with a clean towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Roll into a 15 x 10-inch rectangle.

Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter, leaving 1/2 inch of a long edge bare. Combine the apples, brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle evenly over the butter.

Roll up the dough, jelly roll style, starting with the long buttered edge. Pinch the unbuttered edge to seal the roll. Cut into 12 even slices and place cut side down in the prepared baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325°F.

Bake at 325°F for 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown.

While rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by placing the cider and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until cider is reduced to 1/4 cup (about 20 minutes, but watch it carefully). Discard cinnamon stick and cool cider to room temperature, using an ice bath if necessary.

In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioner's sugar and reduced cider. Beat until smooth and spread over warm rolls. Serve immediately.