Hello Friends!!!! Also a recipe to share

Hello fellow bloggers! I know, I have really neglected my blog for quite sometime. Thanks to those of you who have continued to come and visit.

I've been busy...making Christmas gifts, taking care of my parents, and life in general.

My Dad celebrated his 94th birthday on December 8th.  Over 50 relatives were there to celebrate my dad's birthday at a Holiday party that my niece held at her house.

I also wanted to share with all of you a recipe I make for the holidays.

Classic Cranberry Orange Nut Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/2 cups Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, coarsely chopped  ( I don't chop my cranberries because when they are cooked they slice easily when the bread is cut)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.( I usually use 2 smaller loaf pans..2 '1/4 height, 7 inches long, and 3  1/4 width. Using the smaller pans don't take as long to bake, and you have one loaf to keep and one to give away. Or, you can use 4 mini loaf pans.) Reduce the baking time when using the smaller loaf pans.)

one not teflon lined and one teflon lined loaf pan

Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in loaf pan that is well greased. ( I always line the bottom of my loaf pans with parchment paper that I cut to fit the bottom. I grease both sides of the parchment paper..makes for easy removal of the bread from the pan.)

Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight. Makes(16 slices)  when using 1 large loaf pan. This bread freezes well. Enjoy this wonderful Ocean Spray recipe.

Elaine

P.S...today starts day 1 of the annual An Affair with Arts 12 days of Christmas gift swap.