Giant Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Dear Readers:

First, I want to say that I am sorry for not posting on a regular basis this year. It has been an emotionally filled roller coaster year. For every single great moment that has occurred this year there has been an equally devastating one to match it. On bright side, as I type this post I can feel the shift of sadness leaving my life and love coming towards me.

In June, I graduated from school (magna cum laude). Then in late August, I took a job that I was unsure of, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have met the most wonderful people at work ...F & J. And lastly, I learned a life lesson (the hard way). I learned, that some people are cruel, mean, and vindictive. I learned that I cannot "love away" their meanness no matter how hard I try to. There is a lot more to tell, but I want to focus on the positive and wonderful things in my life.

And speaking of amazing things, these cookies are just that. Who could turn down a giant, buttery, chewy, cookie packed full cranberries, coconut, nuts, chocolate and good for you oatmeal? Not I.

Also, here are some FYI tips. I used a 4 ounce scooper and only placed 6 cookies per pan. I then placed the pans with dough in the fridge to chill for 15 minutes before baking. I do this to ensure that they don't over-spread. Add an extra minute or two to the baking time. These are really giant cookies. One cookie per person is more than enough.

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Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread

Right before Thanksgiving I managed to grab a couple extra bags of fresh cranberries. I knew that I was not going to be able to use them right away. Instead, I washed and dried them.

Then, I placed them on a cookie sheet spreading them out to ensure that most of the berries were not touching. Next, I placed the cookie sheet with the cranberries in the freezer. Once they were frozen I packaged them into 1 cup portions.

The other day I found a recipe tucked away in drawer that I had wanted to make over the holidays. It was a cranberry orange quick bread recipe from Sunset. I believe the original recipe called for dried cranberries.

I just could not resist using the frozen cranberries I had in the freezer. I thought about defrosting them ...for about a second and decided it was not necessary (the frozen berries did not affect the outcome of the bread).

I know cranberries are now out of season, but I see bags of them in the freezer aisle all the the time. So, if you're feeling a little nostalgic about the holidays then by all means pick up some frozen cranberries.

This quick bread recipe will not disappoint. It's buttery, moist, and tart. The Grand Marnier glaze on top is divine. The recipe said that it yields 2 loaves but I managed to get 3 good size loaves. Just remember that as you divide the batter amongst the pans.

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One Year Ago: Kugelhopf

Holiday Cranberry Panettones

Most of you are probably screaming that it's too early to be thinking about Christmas, but I really do love the holiday season. How could you not love Christmas and all it's charm? It is enchanting despite what people say or think.

It's not about the perfect gift. It's about the first snowfall that blankets everything in an immaculate shade of soft white. The quietness of the morning when you first notice that this has occurred.

Walks when it's snowing and that certain someone places his arm around your shoulder to keep you warm. Cold lips warmed by kisses at the front door never tasted so sweet. Realizing that you miss someone more than you ever thought you would.

Christmas is a time for love, compassion, generosity, and for some the chance to start over. These are the reasons I love the holidays so much. The possibilities for magic are endless.

The panettones themselves are a little magical as well. In that, they can be any flavor you want them to be. You can add raisins, chocolate, or any dried fruit of your choice. The sky's the limit.

Let your imagination run wild with the "add-ins" and live in the moment. Take the time to appreciate the smell of warm bread coming out of the oven. The smile of that certain someone when you hand him or her a freshly baked panettone.

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