Tag Archive | fall

Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Nov22
Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Warm Spiced Cranberry Cocktails

Warm up a chilly afternoon by indulging in a decadent drink overflowing with flavor. A seasonal potion perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe mingles cranberry juice cocktail with seasonal spices for the ultimate in aromatic cozy goodness.

Add a splash of rum to each serving, if desired.

5 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1 cup orange juice
1 cup water
3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar
2 (3- to 3 1/2-inches each) cinnamon stick, plus more for serving (optional)
8 whole allspice berries
8 whole cloves
1 star anise, plus more for garnish (optional)

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, water, brown sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, and star anise. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes; remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Pour cranberry juice mixture through a strainer; discard cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, and star anise. Serve with cinnamon sticks and float star anise, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Book Release and Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Nov17
Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

If you enjoy the taste of pumpkin and cinnamon/sugar doughnuts, then you’ll love this easy to make recipe.

Simply combine pumpkin with a few pantry staples, bake in muffin cups, and then dip the tops in melted butter and cinnamon-sugar.

Before you know it, a batch of family-pleasing muffins will be on the table. And if you’d like to sample a taste of these muffins, stop by my book signing tomorrow, November 18th from 1:00 to 3:00 at Barnes & Noble Book Sellers, Consumer Square, 4811 Commercial Drive, New Hartford, NY 13413. Hope to see you there! 🙂

Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, softened
1 egg
3/4 cup 100% pure pumpkin
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. . In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and softened butter. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add egg and pumpkin; beat until combined. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Dip warm muffin tops in melted butter, then in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Makes 12 muffins.

Apple Pear Sauce

Oct1
Apple Pear Sauce

Apple Pear Sauce

Homemade applesauce is always welcome at the table, but why not put a tasty twist on tradition with the addition of pears.

This combination is good enough on its own, but by cooking them in cranberry juice cocktail along with a couple sticks of cinnamon, it’s easy to make a seasonal treat. It’s just as easy to double or triple the recipe and share with family and friends.

And if you like the idea of making simple hand-crafted items to complement your home, then pick up a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons and learn how to make easy No-Sew Placemats like these that will be the perfect addition to your fall table.

No-Sew Placemats

No-Sew Placemats

Apple Pear Sauce

3 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cranberry juice cocktail
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 (3- to 3 1/2-inches each) cinnamon sticks

In a medium saucepan, combine apples, pears, sugar, cranberry juice cocktail, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, until apples and pears are tender, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Remove cinnamon sticks. Mash with a potato masher to desired texture. Serve warm or chilled. Makes about 2 cups.

Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons by Cynthia O’Hara

May9

Packed with DIY Ideas, Holiday Recipes, DIY Recipes, DIY Cooking, and more, The Harried Housewife’s forthcoming book, Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons, will be available September 19, 2017. Pre-Order Sale Price!

Cooking, Baking, and Making book by Cynthia O'Connor O'Hara

#1 New Release!

Here are some ideas featured in Cooking, Baking, and Making:

* Host a springtime luncheon and include recipes like Herbed Cucumber Tea Sandwiches and Smoky Bacon Deviled Eggs. Present these tasty tidbits on Tiered Serving Platters made with dishware you already have, or with dishes bought from the dollar store.

* Enjoy an alfresco get-together during summer with seasonal recipes like Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Burgers and Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa. Make a pretty and practical Frozen Ice Bucket to chill a bottle of wine; serve wine in glasses decorated with unique Wine Charms that you’ve made for guests.

* Chase away the chills during the cool months of autumn with hearty bowls of Corn and Crab Chowder. Buy pot holders from the dollar store and use fabric glue to embellish them with autumn-inspired decorations. Use Embellished Pot Holders for handling the chowder and serve on No-Sew Placemats that are made from fabric remnants.

* Gather with those near and dear during the winter holidays and savor a taste of the season with Creamy Eggnog Cupcakes. Entertain with ease by setting up a Velvety Mashed Potatoes with Assorted Toppings Martini Bar. Give tasty gifts to those you love such as Homemade Bottles of Crème de Menthe.

* Make Custom Coffee Mugs and fill with coffee beans; place in festive gift bags and decorate with personalized Salt Dough Gift Tags—which also can be used as Christmas tree decorations.

 

 

Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

Nov11

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

 

Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

Cranberry Cabernet Sauce

Jazz up your dish of cranberry sauce by cooking cranberries in a flavorful mixture that’ll lend a sophisticated touch to this Thanksgiving Day staple.

By simmering cranberries in a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and a few other ingredients, it’s easy to add a twist on tradition while still enjoying a classic.

Of course, your favorite red wine may be substituted for Cabernet Sauvignon, if desired. However you make it, this simple yet elegant dish will enhance the Thanksgiving Day celebration.

CRANBERRY CABERNET SAUCE

1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon
1/2 cup orange juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, wine, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, until most of the cranberries have popped, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Mash with a potato masher. Cool at least 1 hour before serving. (May be prepared up to five days in advance; store covered and refrigerated.) Makes 8 servings.

The Harried Housewife at Boscov’s

Nov3
Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin Pancakes

Join The Harried Housewife at Boscov’s Department Store at Sangertown Square Mall, 8555 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY 13413 on Saturday, November 5th from 9 to 4 to celebrate Boscov’s VIP Day!

Sample her seasonal recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX and take advantage of Boscov’s biggest home sale of the season!

The day will be packed with fun, and will feature:

* Special Guests
* Great Food Samples
* Product Demonstrations

You also can register to win fantastic prizes!

Hope to see you there!

Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Oct13

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Butterscotch Caramel Apple Dip

Savor a taste of the season by whipping up a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with orchard-fresh apples. Prepared with minimal ingredients, this recipe can be made in minutes and is filled with the taste of autumn.

It’s a yummy after-school snack and a delightful choice for fall gatherings. It also is ideal for making ahead. Prepare up to two days in advance and store, covered, in the fridge.

When it comes to enjoying the goodness of apples, this recipe makes it easy.

BUTTERSCOTCH CARAMEL APPLE DIP

1 (8-ounce) package regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butterscotch caramel ice cream topping
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Apple wedges, for dipping
For dip, in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ice cream topping, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Serve with apple wedges. Makes 12 servings

Butterscotch Crispy Treats

Sep10

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Butterscotch Crispy Treats

Butterscotch Crispy Treats

Butterscotch Crispy Treats

Embellish the time-honored recipe for marshmallow treats with the yummy flavor of butterscotch for quick to prepare snacks that are perfect for a crowd.

Ideal for children of all ages, this recipe can be made at the last minute and is an excellent choice when it comes to easy back-to-school snacks.

With full schedules for both parents and children, this crowd-pleasing recipe is a timely treat.

BUTTERSCOTCH CRISPY TREATS

6 cups crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup butterscotch chips
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
3 tablespoons instant butterscotch pudding and pie filling mix (from a 4-serving size package)
1 (10.5 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine cereal and butterscotch chips. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat; stir in marshmallows. Cook until melted and smooth, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in pudding mix. Pour over cereal mixture. Stir until well coated. Press mixture into prepared pan. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Makes 24 squares.

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.

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Nov21

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce is good enough on its own, but the addition of cloves and cinnamon makes it even better. By simmering ruby-red cranberries in brown sugar syrup with a couple sticks of cinnamon and an orange slice that’s dotted with cloves, a dish of cranberry sauce is elevated to a new level.

A welcome addition to the Thanksgiving Day table, this side dish is an excellent choice for holiday entertaining. Perfect for making ahead, it can be prepared up to five days in advance and stored, covered, in the fridge. Sprinkle with finely grated orange zest just before serving for a refreshing finish.

Here are more Thanksgiving holiday recipes from The Harried Housewife’s RECIPE BOX.

From my family to yours… Happy Thanksgiving.

SPICED CRANBERRY SAUCE

1 medium orange
6 whole cloves
1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
1 cup water
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 (3 to 3 1/2-inches) cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon sugar
Finely grated orange zest (optional)
Using a wooden skewer, poke 6 evenly spaced holes around the center of the orange; insert cloves into holes. Cut a slice out of the orange to include all of the cloves. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange slice. Squeeze juice from ends of orange into cranberry mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, partially covered, until most of the cranberries have popped, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Remove orange slice and cinnamon sticks. Stir in sugar; mash with a potato masher. Cool at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle with finely grated orange zest before serving, if desired. (May be prepared up to five days in advance; store covered and refrigerated.) Makes 8 servings.