Orange-Cranberry Cake

With fall here upon us and an occasional touch of those cooler breezes, this recipe sounded wonderful! My EJC (DH)was working from home, the aroma of orange and cranberry worked its magic. It drew him and MLC into the kitchen. Before I knew it, 3 muffins were eaten! I love it when that happens!



(from Better Homes and Gardens September 2008 "Prize Tested Recipes
$200 winner Michelle Gauer, Spicer, MN")

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I used 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup oatmeal flour)
1 1/3 cups rolled oats (I used quick oats)
1 TBS baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened (I used 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup canola oil)
1 cup sugar (I used 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp stevia powder)
3 eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups fresh cranberries (I used frozen)
2 TBS sugar
2 tsp. finely shredded orange peel

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. finely shredded orange peel
2-3 tsp. orange peel

Preheat oven 350. Grease and flour 10 in tube pan...or use Demarle bundt and 6 muffins on large perforated tray.


Combine dry ingredients (the first 5 ingredients).

Combine butter, sugar and eggs. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beating on low speed after each addition until combined.

I chopped the frozen cranberries in a food processor then tossed them with 2 TBS sugar and orange peel. Fold fruit mixture into batter.

Spoon batter into prepared pan. The Demarle bundt pan is slightly smaller than the standard American bundt. I like it being smaller because I get 6 muffins and a cake from most recipes! No greasing and flouring pans. Place in oven and bake lg bundt for 50-60 min. Mine only baked for 30 minutes, because my pan is smaller. Remove from oven and glaze while it is still warm.

Make the glaze. Combine powdered sugar, peel and juice..adding more juice to get it to drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over warm cake. Allow cake to cool and glaze to set.

Planning a Cookie Exchange

I co-hosted our 3rd annual cookie exchange. Once again it was a success! We sent out our invitations about a week prior to the event. Heather, my co-host, insisted that we would hold it at her home this year to take some of the "load" off of me. Really, at this phase of motherhood to my dear, 2 year old, MLC, I was thankful for her to do that part of the exchange.





It is not too late for you to plan a cookie exchange.

Make a few refreshments.



Check out this recipe link here.
Be sure to make the hot cider and brew some coffee.
Find a good friend to plan a Christmas carol game.
Enjoy a night out with friends.



Be ready for a very happy family when you arrive home with a stellar sampler of holiday cookies!!!!!

We narrowed the rules down to the following:

• Homemade cookies are preferred.
• Bring your recipe.
• Please bring 6 dozen. One dozen for tasting during the evening and 5 dozen for exchanging. Please plate your 1 dozen for tasting separately.
• Please let us know your type of cookie you will be baking to ensure variety.

When making the invitations, print the above rules on the back of card stock and the actual invitation print on velum in ink color of choice. Then punch holes in the top center of the invitation and tie on a green and red ribbon for a festive touch.