Christmas Cranberry Walnut Bread

I'm always looking for easy recipes for quick breads, especially this time of year. A loaf of a yummy quick bread makes a wonderful homemade gift, or as a treat for yourself at home with a cup of tea or coffee.

This recipe for Cranberry Walnut Bread is a favorite of mine. The cranberries have a delicious tarty taste, and the orange zest in it gives it a hint of citrus.

Now Open: Elinor Friend Playground at the San Francisco Zoo

For my son's 4th birthday we were looking for something special to do. For his first birthday we took him to the Sacramento Zoo and his love of giraffes began there. We wanted to experience a large zoo with more animals and attractions to see. The San Francisco Zoo was the perfect answer for us. We had a wonderful time at the Zoo and we were able to have a preview of the new Elinor Friend Playground. The new playground has 3 different themed playgrounds that are each unique and offer different play experiences.

Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies

The holidays for us are about treats, treats and more treats! But not everybody likes things that are typically given at this time of year like fudge, hard candy or peppermint. Sometimes some good old fashion peanut butter cookies can make someone's day. Dressed up with some twine and a sweet container they can be the perfect gift. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda                     
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt                     

Hotter Slippers Review and Giveaway #sponsored

This holiday season shoes and slippers are on the top of our Christmas lists. Not only do my children need new slippers (their feet are growing so fast) but my husband and I seem to need them too. My husband is a huge fan of slippers, he wears them anytime we are at home, especially as the weather turns cold. We don't have a "no shoe" policy at our house but as soon as we walk in the door all of the shoes come off and slippers on. Are shoes or slippers something you will be adding to your list? If so Hotter is the place to shop, they have a wide selection of quality shoes and slippers for men and women.

 

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Thanksgiving is gone, and so is our lovely turkey. I had every intention of making turkey soup, but that didn't happen.

After giving some to departing relatives, making turkey sandwiches, and a yummy turkey stir-fry, there was none left. But it was yummy.

So, I'm back to making chicken soup, which I really do love. And I need some too, so that I can hopefully get over this nasty cold that has been lingering.

This is a super delicious soup that comes together pretty quickly, perfect for a main dish along side some crusty bread, or even cornbread.
You can also change up the veggies if you don't have all of these on hand.


Recipe for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:

Ingredients:

32 ounce box of chicken broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen green beans
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 cups uncooked egg noodles
2 cups shredded chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream