happy day of thanks...

happy day of thanksgiving to everyone... a wee bit early.

just finished baking a loaf of cranberry orange walnut bread.  not sure, anymore, where this recipe originally came from?  it is one which was hand written several thanksgivings ago into my special notebook of favorite recipes (it is quite a select group... only recipes that result in at least a few dozen enthusiastic "mmmmm"s when served will see the inside of this book)

it was six years ago today that i first tried out this recipe... for a road trip thanksgiving in boston.  that loaf was carried in mittened hands, as we walked through the blustering cold winds.  quite different from this seventy degree weather we're having down here this year, south of the mason-dixon line

cranberry orange walnut bread:

1/4 c. butter

1/2 c. honey

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 c. orange juice

1 tsp. grated orange rind

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 c. chopped cranberries

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

preheat oven to 350.  butter and flour loaf pan.  in large bowl, cream butter and honey.  add eggs, o.j., and rinds.  mix flour with baking powder.  add to butter mixture 1/3 at a time, blending after each.  stir in cranberries and walnuts.  pour into pan.  bake 50 to 60 minutes.

** mine is always done a bit earlier... around 40 to 45 minutes

well, i'm thankful for many, many things as this whirlwind year winds down... many new and old thanks this holiday, which i hope never to take for granted.  and the biggest thanks, as always... spending a simple day of cheer with family (and these two kiddos, my niece and nephew, who always keep things ridiculously interesting and comical!)

happy holiday!