A Christmas Recipe for you

Readers and Friends, what a year it has been-

likely the most honest and rewarding of my adult life, having never roped a wild young toddler

and tempered his natural charm with a few necessary manners

and smothered him with kisses.

I cannot call him tame, I would never want to. He is wilding me.

Yes, he has begun requesting kisses. We melt into puddles daily

at his small feet.

On this fine warm California Christmas day I want to share with you 

one of the most festive recipes I have under my belt, care of my very excellent mother.

Once you've baked it you'll see, this is a rich gift indeed.

There is a lot to celebrate today, a lot to wish for.

We received some clarifying words on a situation that's broken our hearts,

words that give so much hope in the greater picture of things.

Relative blessings... isn't everything a relative blessing?

Everything lately has reminded me to use the good dishes,

spray the expensive perfume.

Hoard nothing: life is to be spent with a luxurious hand

in good clean hard work that brings satisfaction

in generosity of heart

and a well-rested soul

.

I overworked madly this month, honoring requests and falling behind.

I may have let a few folks down

by saying 'yes' when my mouth was too tired to form words

and then admitting my overreach.

I've nearly forgotten how to tend to myself.

I am working hard to remember.

How does that happen, exactly?

I've never been more excited for a new year than I am for this one

100% because of Orion and Schmilly (and those delicious bad cats),

in the delight I take loving this small and powerful family unit.

In the waning days of this year I wish you unfinished projects neatly tied

hearts mended

and souls set on fire with passion

for whatever pleases them.

From the warmest part of my heart I wish you peace

love

and a bar set high

for your well-being and abundance.

You are worth all of it and then some,

you magnificent creature.

Merry Christmas from all of us here to all of you.

xoxoxoxox,

Sunny, Schmilly and O

 

 

CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD

Makes 1 large loaf or 3 small loaves

 

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1 + 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup solid vegetable shortening (I use butter)

3/4 cup of orange juice

1 egg, well beaten

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped

 

Heat oven to 350

 

l.  Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into medium bowl; cut in shortening (or butter) until mixture resembles coarse meal.  Beat juice, egg, and zest lightly in small bowl; add to dry ingredients, tossing with fork until mixture is evenly moistened.  Fold in cranberries.

 

2  Turn batter into lightly greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan, or divide evenly among three 5 11/16 x 3 1/4 x 2 inch disposable foil loaf pans.  (I found pans that were not disposable.  I don't know how easy they are to locate)  Bake until golden brown and wooden pick inserted in center of cake is withdrawn clean, about 1 hour for large loaf, about 45 minutes for small loaves.  Cool pans on wire rack 10 minutes; turn out bread.  Continue cooling to room temperature.