Cranberry Orange Loaf

I absolutely love baking!  Lately, I haven't been baking very much because we have been trying to eat more healthy and reduce the amount of sugar in our diet.  This past weekend we had an event at my boys' school and I volunteered to bring an item for refreshements.  I took a Lemon Almond Loaf and this Cranberry Orange Loaf so I could get a chance to do some baking.  This Cranberry Orange Loaf was a recipe I had pinned awhile ago and was excited to try.  I love the flavour of cranberries and oranges together and this loaf did not disappoint!

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Dried Cranberries, Almonds and Parmesan

Brussels Sprouts is something we never had growing up.  From the TV programs we watched, it sounded like they were horrible.  After getting married, I started trying all sorts of new foods that we didn't have as kids.  Brussels Sprouts is one of those and we have enjoyed them ever since!  Typically I would roast them with some olive oil, salt and pepper.  When I came across this recipe it sounded interesting as it uses raw shredded Brussels Sprouts.

Pear and Cranberry Rice Pudding with Chocolate Crunchies & Veggie Rice Lasagna Loaf {Minute Rice® Giveaway}

Pear and Cranberry Rice Pudding with Chocolate Crunchies

Recently I attended a cooking event at George Brown College hosted by Minute Rice®.  Our session was hosted by Chef John Higgins, Director of George Brown Chef School.  We had the opportunity to watch Chef Higgins prepare 2 dishes (Veggie Rice Lasagna Loaf and Pear and Cranberry Rice Pudding with Chocolate Crunchies).  We also had a chance to go in the kitchen and prepare the Rice Pudding.  It was a great experience on learning some tips for cooking rice and cooking in the George Brown Chef School is always lots of fun!

Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries

We are always looking for new vegetables to try and new ways of eating them.  I saw this recipe on The Pioneer Woman and her recipes always turn out fantastic so I thought I would give it a try.  It is very different from our regular Indian meals.  It is sweet with a bit of tang from the dried cranberries.  We all really enjoyed it. The first time I made it was way too many cranberries. Now when I make it I use less cranberries and oil.  The recipe below is also for a smaller amount of brussel sprouts.  It takes a bit of time to reduce down the balsamic.  Don't do it too much otherwise it will become a sticky gooey mess.

Cranberry Loaf

My friend Julie emailed me this recipe a few years ago.  I never got around to making it.  I had never been fond of cranberries.  I had bought some Craisins for my son and have been snacking on them lately.  I was looking through my recipes and came across this recipe and thought I would give it a try.  My changes were to replace the melted butter with oil.  I also reduced the cranberries and omitted the almonds.  I don't like nuts in baked goods.  This was super easy and quick to make.  It would go great with a cup of tea.