As many of you know, I love New England, especially in the fall when the autumn foliage is spectacular. On one of our trips, my parents and I went Ocean Spray Cranberry World. Later we would visit a cranberry bog and see the cranberries being harvested. The bog is flooded, and the ripe cranberries come to the surface to be harvested. I especially like baked goods made with Craisins or fresh cranberries and Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is one of my favorites. As I taste Cranberry Orange Bread, Cranberry Juices, or dishes made with fresh cranberries, I am immediately transported back to New England and remembering what a wonderful vacation we enjoyed many years ago.

Recipe

1 stick of softened, unsalted butter
3/4 cup of sugar
2 eggs
3 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tsp baking powder
1 Tsp salt
1/2 Tsp baking soda
1 cup unsweetened orange juice
1 cup coarsely chopped cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans.

Preheat oven to 350.

Beat butter and sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Combine dry ingredients.

Add dry ingredients alternating with juice, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in cranberries and chopped nuts.

Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove form oven and cool 5 minutes before turning out the bread.

~ Alan Harvey

Scripture

Philippians 1:3-11

Prayer

Maker of heaven and earth, we praise You and give You thanks for the creatures that inhabit this planet with us. We marvel at the diversity and we ask You to help us be good stewards of the earth. As we raise our voices to praise Jesus and his birth, we rejoice knowing that everything that breathes can praise You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.