Tag Archive | Christmas

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Nov24

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Cranberry Applesauce Bread

Hearty loaves of fresh-baked bread are welcome additions to holiday celebrations. And when they include merry-red cranberries, tasty applesauce, and aromatic spices, they’re even better.

Ideal for passing at the table, enjoying on Christmas morning, or to give as a hostess gift, this flavor-packed bread is a seasonal delight. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar just before serving to add the look of new-fallen snow.

Whatever the occasion, sharing home-baked bread with those near and dear is a delicious way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

CRANBERRY APPLESAUCE BREAD

3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottoms of four 5×3-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and baking powder. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and milk. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Divide batter amongst prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 33 to 38 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Makes 4 miniature loaves.

Mini Pecan Pies

Nov13

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, November 14, 2014

Mini Pecan Pies

Mini Pecan Pies

Pies are a highly anticipated finale of the Thanksgiving Day feast. And while pumpkin pie is certain to be on the menu, it’s always fun to sample other pies too.

By using two mini pie plates like these Anchor Hocking Mini Pie Plates instead of one conventional nine-inch pie plate, it’s easy to offer guests a sampling or two of their favorite pies. And if you’re going to someone’s house for dinner, you can leave a mini pie or two at home and bring the rest to share.

The pastry dough is easy to make and the pecan filling can be whipped up in a hurry. A dollop of whipped cream adds the final flourish.

Here are a couple more Thanksgiving pie recipes that make good use of mini pie plates. And here are some easy Thanksgiving recipes. Enjoy!

MINI PECAN PIES

Pastry for two 6-inch single-crust pies (see below)
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans or pecan halves
Freshly whipped cream (optional)
Prepare pastry for 2 6-inch pie crusts as directed. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 6-inch pie plates with pastry crust. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla. Stir in pecans; divide into 2 crusts. Bake until filling is puffed, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool pies completely on a wire rack. Top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Makes 8 miniature servings.

PASTRY FOR TWO 6-INCH SINGLE-CRUST PIES

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening
5 to 6 tablespoons ice water
In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over the flour mixture; toss with a fork. Push moistened flour mixture to the side of the bowl. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon of the remaining water at a time, until all of the flour mixture is moist. Gather pastry into a ball. Divide into 2 portions; shape each portion into a disk. Cover each disk with plastic wrap; refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes.

Flour rolling surface and rolling pin lightly. Roll each pastry disk into circles about 8-inches in diameter. Trim to about 7 1/2 -inches. Carefully remove trimmed dough. Fold dough into quarters. Unfold and press into 2 6-inch pie plates. Transfer desired fillings into pie crusts, flute or crimp edges as desired. Bake as directed. Makes 2 miniature pies.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and bakeware

Easy Snickerdoodles

Dec4

Featured on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Easy Snickerdoodles

Easy Snickerdoodles

Love the taste of Snickerdoodles but don’t have a lot of time to prepare them? Then put a package of yellow cake mix to good use by combining it with a few pantry staples for a shortcut version of a classic cookie recipe.

A terrific way to spend a snowy afternoon, making Christmas cookies is a fun family activity that will create fond memories to last a lifetime. And this recipe is perfect for little hands as they enjoy shaping the dough and then rolling it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

After the cookies are baked and cooled, arrange them on decorative platters like these Anchor Hocking Isabella Platters for a fun display of fresh-baked cookies that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you make them for Santa or share with friends who come to call, homemade Snickerdoodles will bring comfort and joy to those near and dear.

Here are more Easy Christmas Recipes from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX.

EASY SNICKERDOODLES

3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 (16.5 ounce) package plain yellow cake mix
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, flour, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake until centers are almost set, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing serveware

Easy Christmas Recipes from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX:

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Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktails

Dec26

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktails

Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktails

Dazzle your guests at this year’s New Year’s Eve party by filling this sleek Infinity pitcher from Anchor Hocking with a vibrant cranberry pomegranate mixture that will welcome the New Year in good taste.

Simply stir together a few ingredients and you will be on your way to a memorable evening overflowing with fun. So raise your glasses and toast to the promise of great things to come in the New Year.

Here’s to good health, happiness, and prosperity.

Cheers!

CRANBERRY POMEGRANATE COCKTAILS

4 cups cranberry pomegranate juice cocktail, chilled
2 1/2 cups vodka
1/4 cup orange juice
Ice cubes
Pomegranate seeds (optional)
Skewers of fresh cranberries (optional)
In a large pitcher, combine cranberry pomegranate juice cocktail, vodka, and orange juice. Place ice cubes in glasses; pour cranberry pomegranate mixture over ice cubes. Stir in pomegranate seeds, if desired. Garnish with skewers of fresh cranberries, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and drinkware
Food Styling by Cynthia O’Connor O’Hara

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Dec18

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Spiked Eggnog Punch

Gather your loved ones, stir up a creamy concoction, and savor a cup of spiked eggnog punch brimming with old-fashioned goodness.

The tradition of sharing eggnog with those near and dear originated in England centuries ago. Served in small cups known as noggins, the rich beverage was spiked with a variety of alcoholic beverages. The custom continues today, and is made easier and safer, by simply picking up cartons of pasteurized eggnog from the supermarket instead of making it from scratch.

Just in the nick of time for holiday celebrations, this quick to prepare recipe for Spiked Eggnog Punch is a luscious crowd-pleaser. And using this Anchor Hocking Presence 18 piece Punch Bowl Set to serve guests adds a vintage touch to the celebration. The cups may be attached to the bowl for style and practicality—and will encourage them to have a cup of cheer.

So go ahead and indulge with family and friends in a festive potion that’s mingled with seasonal flavors. After all, this is a luscious way to celebrate the time-honored taste of the holidays.

And if you like this recipe, you’ll love the following scrumptious treat for Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes. Easy to make and filled with the flavor of the season, this mouthwatering dessert is perfect for celebrating the Yuletide. To get the recipe, order a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes

Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes

 

SPIKED EGGNOG PUNCH

2 (1/2 gallon) cartons regular or light eggnog
2 cups rum, brandy, or whiskey
Freshly grated nutmeg
Fresh, lightly whipped cream

In a large punch bowl, combine eggnog, brandy, and freshly grated nutmeg. Ladle into cups; top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of fresh-grated nutmeg. Makes 24 servings.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and serveware
Food Styling by Cynthia O’Connor O’Hara

Mini Brownie Trifles

Dec11

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2

Mini Brownie Trifles

Mini Brownie Trifles

Looking for a decadent dessert that will impress family and friends at this year’s holiday get-together? Then get this cute Anchor Hocking Presence Mini Trifle Set, fill with layers of fudgy brownies and creamy pudding; top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings—and celebrate the Yuletide in good taste.

Using store-bought brownie mix is one sugarplum of a shortcut, and no one will guess how easy this recipe is to prepare. Get a jumpstart on preparation by making the trifles up to 24 hours in advance and store, covered, in the fridge. Just before serving, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.

The mini trifle dishes are ideal for entertaining. When not in use, simply decorate with festive ribbons and fill with colorful candies. Whether you place them around the house or line them up on the holiday table, these miniature trifle dishes serve a multitude of purposes. So treat your loved ones to a decadent brownie dessert then make use of the dishes throughout the holidays. Now this is the sweetest way to help make the season bright.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Pick up a copy of The Harried Housewife’s Cookbook for more easy holiday recipes.

MINI BROWNIE TRIFLES

1 (19- to -22 ounce) package brownie mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
2 tablespoons water
2 eggs
1 (4-serving size) package chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix (from a 4-serving size package)
1 3/4 cups whipping (or heavy) cream
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Fresh raspberries (optional)
Mint leaves (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, coffee, water, and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack; cut about 3/4 of the brownie into 1-inch pieces.

Meanwhile, prepare chocolate pudding mix as directed on package for pudding, using milk; cover and refrigerate. In a large bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix and whipping cream. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy; cover and refrigerate. In 6 miniature trifle dishes, arrange 7 of the brownies in the bottom and up the sides of the dishes; cover with chocolate pudding. Arrange 5 of the brownies in similar style; top with the whipped cream mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours; top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving, if desired. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves, if desired. Makes 6 miniature trifles (12 servings).

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and dishware

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake

Dec4

As seen on NEWSChannel 2 Friday, December 20, 2013

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake

Take a trip back in time to Grandma’s holiday kitchen by baking this spicy and moist Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake. Dripping with a cream cheese glaze that’s dusted with flakes of edible white glitter, this aromatic cake will glisten like icicles freshly coated with a blanket of new-fallen snow.

The perfect treat to share with those near and dear, this recipe adds just enough pumpkin to lend a tasty twist to a time-honored classic. And placing this frosty-looking dessert on a cake plate like this simple yet stylish Anchor Hocking Presence Cake Plate with Dome will only add to the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas.

As the intoxicating aroma of familiar spices wafts through the air and conjures up warm reminiscences of Grandma’s kitchen, it’s gratifying to know that baking this cake will honor her—and create fond memories for generations to come.

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD CAKE

2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter flavored vegetable shortening
1 egg
1 cup 100 percent pure pumpkin
1 cup hot water
3/4 cup molasses
Cream Cheese Glaze
Edible white glitter flakes (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch fluted tube pan with shortening; dust with flour. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and cloves. In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, and shortening. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add egg; beat until combined. Add pumpkin, hot water, and molasses; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat until combined. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely; transfer to cake plate. Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze and sprinkle with edible glitter, if desired. Makes 16 servings.

CREAM CHEESE GLAZE

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup milk
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar; beat until combined. Gradually add milk, beating after each addition, until glaze is of drizzling consistency.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and serveware

Coconut Cupcakes

Nov27

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Newstalk Harried Housewife Coconut Cupcakes Recipe

Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes

Coconut Cupcakes

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Then fill pedestals like this Anchor Hocking Presence 3 Tier Platter Set with layers of luscious coconut cupcakes and enjoy a winter wonderland of tasty confections.

Easy and elegant, these pretty cupcakes are terrific for entertaining. They will be a festive addition to the dessert table and will appeal to both children and adults.

As exciting as snowballs made with fresh-fallen snow, these moist and delicious treats highlight the merry shade of white that’s so welcome at this time of year.

Happy holidays!

For more easy recipes, pick up a copy of The Harried Housewife’s Cookbook.

COCONUT CUPCAKES

1 (4-serving size) package instant coconut cream pudding and pie filling mix
1 (16.5-ounce) package plain French vanilla cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
Easy Coconut Cream Frosting
Sweetened coconut flakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper liners. Reserve 2 tablespoons pudding mix for frosting (see below). In a large bowl, combine the remaining pudding mix, cake mix, eggs, water, and oil. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes. Divide into muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with Easy Coconut Cream Frosting; sprinkle with coconut flakes. Makes 24 cupcakes.

EASY COCONUT CREAM FROSTING

2 tablespoons instant coconut cream pudding and pie filling mix
1/2 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
1 (8-ounce) carton regular or light frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix and heavy cream. Whisk for 1 minute. Stir in whipped topping and vanilla.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and bakeware

Here are more Easy Christmas Recipes from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX:

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