Easy Cranberry Sauce

This is a very special homemade cranberry sauce.

It only takes a few ingredients...is done in 15 minutes...has orange juice and zest in it, AND...

it uses brown sugar instead of white.  I LOVE that! 

You can use it on pancakes or add it to your muffins. 

 It's superb! 

Do hope you'll try it soon.  Sometimes I just crave cranberry sauce and this is the best ever! 

I reduced the sugar just a tad because I like the tartness of cranberry sauce...

and added a full teaspoon of vanilla...MMMM!

You can go to Sally's Baking Addiction for the original recipe and for 

lots more detailed info.  She's really great at everything she does! 

EASY CRANBERRY SAUCE 

1 - 12 ozs. bag fresh cranberries, rinsed

3/4 c. water

1/4 c. fresh squeezed orange juice 

(about 1/2 a large orange) 

2/3 c. light or dark brown sugar

2 tsp. orange zest

1 tsp. vanilla extract 

(One large orange should give you enough juice...you may even get to 

drink some down yourself before you're done with this recipe!) 

After washing the cranberries, set 1/2 c. aside. These will be added at the end to add some texture. 

In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add remaining cranberries, water, orange juice and brown sugar. Stir once in a while as the mixture comes to a boil.  Once it does, reduce heat to medium low.  While stirring occasionally, continue to cook until the liquid has reduced and cranberries have burst and thickened, about 10 minutes more. 

Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1/2 c. cranberries, orange zest and vanilla.  Sauce will thicken as it cools. 

It's wonderful served warm or cold, or even room temperature.  Store leftovers in covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

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Leader Enterprise - July 25, 2018 - Cooling Beverages to help you "Chill"

Before I share some tasty drink recipes to help keep you cool while the temps are hot, I wanted to share a few random household tips and picnic ideas for your consideration.  I do hope both 'lineups' will help make your life easier as you make the most of the rest of your summer! 

- Slot the stick of a popsicle through a cupcake paper to prevent drips on little fingers.

- Store bed sheets inside their pillowcases for easy storage and access.

- A ball of aluminum foil makes a great glassware scrubber!

- Spoon fruit or veggie salads into mini mason jars - fun for summer picnics and easy to tuck into a picnic basket.

- If you're picnicking on the ground, a tray or two is nice for setting drinks on so they don't tip easily. 

- Place a few drops of essential oil on the inside of the cardboard tube of a toilet paper roll to make your bathroom smell wonderful.

- When setting out chilled salads or other cold foods at your picnic, consider placing the serving containers in a larger pan filled with ice to keep them cold. 

- To test baking powder for freshness, add 1/2 tsp. to 1/4 c. hot water; if it fizzes, it's good.

- Replace 1 TB. cornstarch with 2 TB. all-purpose flour as a thickener in recipes.   

COPYCAT ORANGE JULIUS

1 (6 ozs) can frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed

1 c. milk

1 c. water

1/3 c. sugar (or sugar substitute) 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

8 ice cubes 

Put all the ingredients into the blender. Process until blended and frothy. Pour-relax and enjoy every sip. Yield: 3-4 yummy servings 

ICED VANILLA COFFEE

1/3 c. double strength regular or decaf coffee, chilled

1/2 c. 1% (or 2%) milk

1 Tb. instant vanilla pudding, dry (optional)

1 pkt. Truvia or liquid stevia to taste

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. crushed ice 

Combine all ingredients in blender, blending on high until drink is smooth. Pour into a glass - top with light whipped cream if desired. Yield: 1 large drink

HEALTHY PEACH VANILLA MILKSHAKE  

1/2 c. peaches, frozen or fresh

1 heaping tsp. flaxseed meal, optional

1/2 c. (1%) milk (or almond milk)

1/4 c. plain or vanilla (Greek) yogurt  

1 tsp. vanilla (or almond) extract

1/2 c. water

1/2 c. crushed ice

1 pkt. Truvia (or sweetener to equal 2 tsps.) 

Place all ingredients in blender; blend until smooth and frothy. Add more liquid if needed. Yield: 2 servings.  

RASPBERRY LEMONADE SMOOTHIE 

3 pieces of ice, chunked

1/2 c. frozen raspberries

1/2-3/4 c. water

1-2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 

2 tsp. honey (or liquid stevia, to taste)

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Start with 1/2 c. water and add more after you've blended the smoothie to get the consistency you'd like. If you let the blender stand just a few minutes most of the seeds will drop to the bottom. Just stop pouring before you get to that part. Yield: 1 serving 

You could try using a combo of raspberries and blackberries for this amazing drink! 

EASY BLUEBERRY LEMONADE

3/4 c. fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 4 or 5 lemons) 

7 c. water, divided

3/4 to 1 c. sugar 

1 c. fresh blueberries 

Over medium heat, stir 2 cups of water and sugar in a pan until sugar is dissolved. Add blueberries; allow to simmer for 6-7 minutes until they begin to break down and color the sugar water. Pour mixture through a strainer to remove blueberries. Allow to cool to room temperature. Add lemon juice and the remaining 5 c. water, stir well. Serve over ice and garnish by adding lemon slices and fresh blueberries. Yield: about 2 qts. 

You can't see a rainbow when you're looking down - Charlie Chaplin 

Easy Orange Creamsicle Pie (Filling is 3 Ingredients!)

Here's another "I was lost, but now I'm found" recipe from my files....

I made this years ago and lost my photo...and just found it again, so here you go....yay!!

You will thank me for sharing it with you because it's so easy and so tasty! 

I love that you can make this when you're visiting someone out of town...

with these simple ingredients you can't go wrong.  Just run to the store and you'll be set to stir and wait...that's the toughest part for sure. 

This is an awesome dessert at holiday time, but of course, it's fabulous any time during the year too! 

I love that it's made by hand too...no mixer needed.  Easy cleanup! 

(hover over photo to pin) 

ORANGE CREAMSICLE PIE

1 9" prepared graham cracker pie crust

1 can (14 ozs.) sweetened condensed milk (like Eagle Brand)

1 can (6 ozs.) orange juice concentrate, thawed

(may add a drop or two of red and yellow food coloring just for a brighter filling-
I did NOT use any)

1 tub (8 ozs.) frozen whipped topping, thawed 

In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk with orange juice concentrate. Add food coloring if desired and stir until blended. Fold in the whipped topping, stirring until smooth.  Pour into pie crust.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Slice and serve with more whipped topping if desired.

Linked to 
Weekend Potluck
Meal Plan Monday

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Tangerine Paradise Punch (w/essential oils)

I'm SO glad I tried this recipe I recently saw on the AromaTools website, using doTerra essential oils to add an extra kick to this awesome recipe! 

Summer's not over yet...we still have time to 'chill' with refreshing drinks like this healthy one. 

I used sugar free lemonade (a naturally sweetened mix like Crystal Lite),

50/50 reduced sugar orange juice, and frozen mixed fruit. 

I had a mixture of pineapple, peaches, mangoes and strawberries. 

Use any fruit combo you'd like.

My hubby and I both raved about how refreshing this simple drink is. 

And you don't need ice because the fruit, blended in the blender, makes

it very cold and tantalizing. 

This would be so special to serve to girlfriends who have come for a visit or just as a special treat to serve your family. 

Please don't hesistate to go to the doTerra website to read all about the nutritional benefits of this delightful beverage. It's SO good for you. 

(If you'd like to know more about oils, you could even stop by my own doTerra website here. These awesome oils 

are making a big difference in our home) 

We thought 3 drops of the tangerine essential oil made this perfect, but

I'm sure it would be totally awesome without the addition of oils. 

That just adds a POWER PUNCH to this tasty treat. 

(Tangerine oil is known for its cleansing properties, and for supporting a healthy immune and respiratory system.)

(to pin, hover over photo)

TANGERINE PARADISE PUNCH 

1 qt. ready-made lemonade 

(I used sugar free naturally sweetened mix, like Crystal Lite)
3 drops doTERRA Tangerine essential oil 
1 c. orange juice 
2 c. frozen fruit 

(I used peaches, mangoes, pineapple and strawberries) 

Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend until fairly smooth.

Pour juice into pitcher/cup. Serve and enjoy!

Linked to Weekend Potluck

You might also enjoy 

Blastin' Blueberry Lemonade (Sugar Free option)

Coconut Lime Muddy Buddies (w/essential oils)

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Orange Cream Cheese Brownies (Fun with essential oils)

I made this scrumptious dessert when I recently hosted an essential oil class, taught by my good buddy, Tonya Ferguson, formerly of 4 little Fergusons, now of RV Oilers.

This amazing family that I love so dearly, travels across the country in an RV, teaching doTerra oil classes. And they are the best of the best! 

And we've been together several times in the year. 
What a T-R-E-A-T!! (being together AND the brownies!)

I adapted Tonya's recipe found here at the 4 little Fergusons blog
by adding a few drops of Wild Orange essential oil to the brownie batter and the frosting!  OOOOO LA LA!  

Orange and chocolate are such an awesome combo. 

Adding essential oils is a superior way to flavor up food...and these were SO flavorful. 

(hover over photo to pin)

ORANGE CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES 

1 box (dark chocolate) fudge brownie mix
1/4 c. water
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs
3 drops Wild Orange essential oil, optional

FROSTING:

1 (8 ozs) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature 
4 Tb. butter, room temperature
2 - 3 c. powdered sugar
4 Tb. orange juice concentrate, thawed
1-2 drops Wild Orange essential oil, optional
red and yellow food coloring
sprinkles, optional 

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9" X 13" baking dish. In large bowl, combine brownie mix with water, oil and eggs. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
Bake 27-29 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.

While brownies cool, in large bowl, soften cream cheese and butter; blend with mixer until smooth, adding powdered sugar, orange juice concentrate, and essential oil. (Add 2 drops red and 4 drops yellow food coloring if using). Decorate with sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over brownies before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. 

Linked to Full Plate Thursday

You might also like...

German Chocolate Brownie Bites

Easy Peppermint Brownies

Coconut - Lime Muddy Buddies (using essential oils)

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3 "Healthy Choice" Beverages {Blast from the Past}

Just like the kind at the mall, only better! Think...Creamsicle! 

Copycat Orange Julius (WW Points)

You'll think you're sitting under swaying palm trees when you enjoy this tasty treat!!

Lowfat Pina Colada Smoothie (No sugar added)

You'll never know the flaxseeds are there - they add high protein & fiber. 

The banana/blueberry combo is delightful!

Blueberry Banana Flaxseed Smooothie

​

3 Cooling & Refreshing Summertime Beverages {Blast from the Past}

Very easy to make - a nice change from everyday lemonade...
pretty too. *-*

Watermelon Lemonade (Sugar Free Option)

Make your own Healthy Refreshment!! 
M-M-M-Good!

Copycat Orange Julius (Healthy Option)





If you want to be refreshed and get some protein too 
(not to mention getting a 'chocolate fix')...this is just the drink for you! 


High Protein Chocolate Smoothie: No Sugar Added

Perfect Poppyseed Bread

I can hardly believe I have never posted this recipe before!!! 

It's definitely a FAMILY FAVORITE!

This quick bread is terrific for gift giving....recipients will love you forever! 

I got the recipe from an aunt many years ago and have made this every holiday season since.  It has almond extract which makes it so tasty.  If you don't care for almond extract, you can make it without, but I can't say how good it is because I've not ever done that. 

One of my brother-in-loves doesn't think it's Christmas until he gets his own loaf of poppyseed bread. 

I SO love the orange juice/almond extract glaze you pour over the top when it comes from the oven.  It not only adds flavor, but moistness too. 

Please...do yourself a favor...don't wait to make this tasty treat!!! 

PERFECT POPPYSEED BREAD 

1 c. vegetable oil + 2 Tb.

(I use half applesauce) 

3 eggs

1-3/4 c. white sugar

(that's reduced from the 2-1/4 c. in original recipe!)

1-1/2 c. (1%) milk

1-1/2 tsp. almond extract

1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 c. all purpose flour

1-1/2 tsp. poppy seeds

(I always add a little more)

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1-1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 3 - 9" X 5" loaf pans or 5 - 4" X 2" mini loaf pans. 

In large bowl, combine oil (applesauce) & eggs and whisk until well blended and fluffy.  Add sugar; mix well. Stir in remaining bread ingredients until just blended. The batter will be very thin. Feel free to use your mixer if you want. 

Pour into prepared pans.  Bake large loaves for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Bake small loaves for 30 minutes.

(I try to check 5 minutes before time is up to ensure a moist bread). 

Remove bread from oven and immediately poke holes in top with a wooden pick or large fork. Pour glaze evenly over each loaf.  Let stand 15 minutes before removing from pans to a wire rack to cool completely. 

GLAZE: 

1 Tb. butter or margarine

3/4 c. white sugar

1/4 c. orange juice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

In small saucepan combine all ingredients and heat, over low, until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. 

Linked to Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday
Ingredient Spotlight: Citrus
Weekend Potluck
  Meal Plan Monday

Copycat Orange Julius {Healthy Option}

Stay tuned...next week I'm going to have Drink-A-Thon week 2...lots of yummy healthy beverages to help you keep cool....and healthy! 

Oh how I love me an Orange Julius!☺

I remember when I tasted my first.  We were stationed in San Bernadino, California in the early '70's, and we REALLY splurged on our tight budget and tried one of these at the mall.  

I.WAS.HOOKED!! 

So when I came across this easy treat at The Country Cook I nearly ran to the kitchen because. as usual with my good blogging buddy Brandie's recipes...

I had everything on hand!! 

As usual, I reduced the amount of sugar by a tad, so if you want it sweeter, well...you know what to do.  

Oh my!  This is so satisfying and delicious...and so much cheaper than you'd pay at any Orange Julius stand. 

COPYCAT ORANGE JULIUS

1 (6 ozs) can frozen orange juice concentrate, partially thawed

1 c. milk

(we are loving unsweetened almond milk!)

1 c. water

1/4 c. (white or powdered) sugar

(or liquid stevia to taste...2 drops = 1 tsp.) 

1 tsp. vanilla extract

8 - 10 ice cubes 

Put all the ingredients into the blender. Process until blended and frothy. Pour - relax and enjoy every sip. 

Yield: 3 - 4 yummylicious servings 

Now..ORANGE you glad I shared this??  *-*

Linked to Freedom Fridays
Melt in your mouth Monday
Recipe Sharing Monday
Foodie Friends Friday
Ingredient Spotlight: Citrus
Meal Plan Monday