With the holiday season upon us, it's the perfect time to dive into some festive recipes that not only taste delightful but also add a burst of color to your dinner table. If you're looking to incorporate cranberries, orange juice, and walnuts into your holiday menu, we've got three recipes that are both scrumptious and visually appealing. Let's explore some holiday delights that will make your gatherings memorable.
1. Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
A slice of this bread is a warm welcome to any holiday morning. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup orange juice
- 1⁄2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1⁄2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Zest of 1 orange
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the orange juice, yogurt, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in the cranberries, walnuts, and orange zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🌟 Note: For an extra zest, you can glaze the top with a mix of orange juice and powdered sugar.
2. Cranberry, Orange, and Walnut Spinach Salad
Adding a fresh salad to your holiday spread not only balances out the richer dishes but also brings a refreshing palette of flavors:
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 1⁄4 cup orange segments, removed from their skin
- 1⁄3 cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Combine spinach, cranberries, walnuts, and orange segments in a large salad bowl.
- In a small jar with a lid, add orange juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake well to blend.
- Pour the dressing over the salad right before serving, toss gently to mix.
💡 Note: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
3. Warm Cranberry Orange Walnut Compote
This compote is an excellent topping for desserts, pancakes, or even as a sweet side for your turkey:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1⁄2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1⁄4 cup water
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⁄2 cup walnuts, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
Steps:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, water, and cinnamon.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the cranberries start to pop, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in walnuts and orange zest, and let it thicken for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
📝 Note: This compote can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
In wrapping up this culinary journey, these holiday recipes featuring cranberries, orange juice, and walnuts add not just flavor but also a touch of tradition and celebration to your meals. They bring a balance of sweetness, tartness, and crunch, creating a perfect symphony of holiday flavors. From a heartwarming bread to start the day, a refreshing salad to accompany your main course, to a versatile compote, each recipe has its place at the holiday table, enhancing the festive spirit and leaving your guests with delicious memories.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
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Yes, frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones in these recipes. They might release a bit more moisture, so consider adjusting the liquid content slightly if necessary.
What can I do with leftover cranberries?
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Don’t let them go to waste! Cranberries can be used in smoothies, muffins, or turned into relishes or jams for future use.
How can I prevent walnuts from sinking in the bread?
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Toss the walnuts with a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the mixture rather than sinking to the bottom.
Related Terms:
- Cranberry orange relish
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cranberry Walnut Relish
- Saus kranberi
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
