Maple Nut Sticky Buns

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup maple syrup
3 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 pkg or 1 tbsp yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water
6 tbsp butter, softened, divided
1 egg, room temperatur
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Grease a 9x13 baking pan and spread maple syrup and pecans evenly over the bottom.

Combine 2 cups flour, granulated sugar, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Stir in water, 2 tbso butter and egg. Beat until smooth. Gradually stir in remaining flour until soft dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap, let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15x12 - inch rectangle. Spread with remaining butter. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over surface. Starting with a 12 inch side, roll up tightly.

Cut into 12 slices, place cut side down in prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap, place on wire rack set over large pan of hot water. Let rise until buns double, 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375. Uncover buns, bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Cool for 1 minute. Loosen edges, invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm.

You can also use this to make cinnamon rolls. Omit the nuts and syrup, and glaze after baking with powdered sugar/ milk glaze.