cranberries

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Thu
05 ^th

Thirsty Thursday: Cranberry Orange Blush

Posted by Erin — No Comments

My absolute favorite thing about Thanksgiving is cranberries. Not to disappoint all you pumpkin fanatics out there, but November is not complete without infusing Cranberries into almost everything around here. Cranberry sauce, cranberry fluff, cranberry cookies, cranberry candles, and of course cranberry drinks.

Just like when I made those Grapefruit Mules and I found that awesome grapefruit vodka, I found an awesome infused Cranberry Vodka made by Deep Eddy. This had me wondering what to make with it. I took a little inspiration from my favorite Thanksgiving side: homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest. So I married those two flavors and when I did, it turned into the most gorgeous pinky blush color. Then the Cranberry Orange Blush was born.

Cranberry Orange Blush

1 1/2 oz cranberry infused vodka (I used Deep Eddy)

the juice of one fresh orange

cranberries for garnish

orange peel for garnish

ice

In a high ball glass, fill with plenty of ice to chill and set aside.

Place three cranberries on a toothpick with a piece of orange peel and reserve for garnish.

Add the juice and vodka to chilled glass, stir gently. Top with garnish and serve.

This drink hits all the right flavor notes for Thanksgiving. Enjoy responsibly with this seasonal appetizer of yore.

Tue
02 ^nd

Relaxed and Ready: Cranberry Muffins with Oatmeal Streusel Topping

Posted by Erin — No Comments

I know this sounds insane, but even with the craziness ensuing around me, I find myself pretty calm. Perhaps it is because of the little bit of pre-holiday-planning I took the time to do in November, but I am amazingly laid back for this time of year.

The decorations are all up (except for a few little details). The Christmas cards are started, the baking supplies are bought, I have some Christmas gifts bought, oh and I have enough tape and tissue paper to last me the next 25 Christmases.

With that said, I am able to try some new recipes in the kitchen.

This time of year, I like to make some hot vanilla for the kids when they get off the bus before they start homework. I was wondering what would be a good snack to accompany a hot beverage, and muffins came to mind. Cranberries seemed festive, and adding oatmeal seemed healthy, so I did a little experimenting and came up with these tasty little treats. They are also pretty good to grab on the way out the door for breakfast (Russell had two!)

Cranberry Muffins with Oatmeal Streusel Topping (makes 24 regular sized muffins)

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups coarsely chopped cranberries

For Streusel Topping
1 cup oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 stick unsalted butter melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line muffin tin with paper liners or grease with nonstick spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and set aside.

In a mixer bowl with paddle attachment, on medium speed mix together sugar, eggs, and oil. Turn mixer to low, add milk and vanilla. Then, with the mixer on low speed add flour mixture very slowly and only mix for a few seconds. It is ok if mixture is lumpy and you can still see flour. Turn off mixer.

Using a spatula, fold in cranberries.

Next, in a medium bowl, mix together streusel topping ingredients and set aside.

Using an ice cream scoop spoon muffin batter into muffin cups about 3/4 of the way full. Then, using a teaspoon, add streusel mixture.

Bake muffins for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and enjoy.

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Tue
06 ^th

Smart Cookies: Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies

Posted by Erin — No Comments

While I was planning something to make for this month’s Smart Cookies recipe, I was thinking of Thanksgiving and Autumn flavors. Pumpkin is typically a standby, but I have to be honest, I’m already over it. Maybe its the over load of pumpkin spiced lattes, or maybe its because I feel like everything pumpkin has been done.

Also, when I think of Thanksgiving, my mind automatically goes to cranberries. Next to stuffing, that is probably my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner. I will eat cranberries in just about any way shape or form. I have no discrimination when it comes to cranberries. I will eat jellied out of the can cranberries, cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, dried cranberries, cranberry juice, cranberry salad, vodka and cranberry with a twist of lime.

That got me thinking, how could I showcase cranberries in a portable treat. I ran the cranberry blondies by my friend, Colleen, and she reminded me to add orange zest (like a cranberry orange muffin). They are so sweet, dense, and brownie-like. In fact… I may have another.

Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Blondies

2 sticks unsalted butter
3 – 1 oz squares of Baker’s White Chocolate Squares
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbs orange zest
2 cups plus 2 tsp all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or pan.

In a small bowl, toss together cranberries, white chocolate chips, and 2 tsp of flour and set aside. Next, melt butter and white chocolate squares in a small sauce pan over low heat stirring occasionally until completely melted and combined. Let this mixture cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl combine sugar, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined.

Slowly add cooled butter and white chocolate mixture while mixing. Then, add flour and salt and mix until just combined. Finally, fold in cranberries and white chocolate chips.

Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

These turned out fabulous, and I cannot wait to have another with a cup of tea while I watch election returns tonight!

For more information about Smart Cookies visit www.smart-cookies.org. Also you can check out past Smart Cookie recipes here and here.