We’re getting so close to Easter – which means the meatless meal series is close to wrapping up for the year! It always surprises me how fast it goes – Easter always seems so far away when I start planning these posts out!
Of all the meals I’m posting for this year’s series, this one is the guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Looking for the perfect treat for breakfast on Thanksgiving or Christmas? Look no further than these Cranberry Pecan Doughnuts!
You know what I love more than holiday dinners? Holiday breakfasts. Dinners always seem to demand a certain amount of structure and tradition – but anything goes for breakfast.
These Cranberry Pecan Doughnuts are on point with the seasonal flavors, but they’re not fussy and can be made the day before, so they’re perfect for a holiday.
The pecans and cranberries are chopped pretty small using the food processor, which makes an even flavor and texture throughout the doughnuts. There’s also orange juice and zest in these. The orange flavor doesn’t come through strong, but it does add a nice balance!
I’m excited to be sharing this recipe as part of Cranberry Week – now in it’s third year! See all the tasty cranberry recipes being shared today below and follow #cranberryweek on social media for more ideas all week long.
Cranberry Pecan Doughnuts
(from Inspiring Pretty)
Makes 1 dozen
For the doughnuts:
3/4 cup cranberries
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. orange zest
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cups milk
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. orange zest
3 Tbsp. heavy cream
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray your doughnut pans with non-stick spray.
Add the cranberries, pecans, and brown sugar to a food processor. Process until chopped into small, even pieces.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a larger bowl, whisk together the coconut oil and sugar until creamed. Stir in the vanilla, eggs, and orange zest. Stir in some of the flour mixture, then some of the milk – alternating until all combined, ending with milk. Stir in the cranberry mixture.
Spoon the batter evenly into the doughnut pans, filling halfway. Bake for 10-14 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
When the doughnuts are cool, add all of the glaze ingredients to a small bowl and stir until well combined. Drizzle or pipe over the doughnuts.
I have been in total use-it-up or throw-it-out mode. I think it’s part of nesting. I’ve cleaned out both freezers, the refrigerator, the pantry and our overflow canned good stock in the basement the last few days. I’m not sure the kitchen has ever looked better!
We had a few bananas that were just past prime. I probably could have given them a day or two and someone would have eaten them or tossed them in a smoothie – but my must-clean-off-the-counters brain couldn’t handle that, so I decided to try a new muffin recipe.
I’ve yet to meet a banana muffin I didn’t enjoy, but these were really good. Using mini chocolate chips keeps the banana flavor from being overwhelmed and the oatmeal added a nice chewiness.
Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
(from The Taste of Home Baking Book)
Makes 12
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
3 medium, ripe bananas, well mashed
2 cups flour
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg, oil and sugar until smooth. Stir in the bananas until evenly combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir into the wet ingredients until just moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.
Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for five minutes before removing from the pan.
Spinach dip is often a fan favorite, but this baked version – with bacon! – takes it to a whole new level.
This hot dip has been a family go-to for years. The combo of warm cheese, bacon, spinach, and artichoke is hard to beat – and this couldn’t get easier. The dip can be mixed up a few days in advance and then just baked when you want it. It’s such a great go-to for entertaining.
Serve this with crackers or bread for dipping!
Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
(adapted from AllRecipes)
1/2 lb. bacon
10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
14 oz. can quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained
5 oz. container garlic-herb flavored cheese spread
1 c. grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz. sour cream
1/2 c. mayonnaise
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain the grease and crumble into a bowl.
In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, artichokes, cheese spread, Parmesan , sour cream, mayonnaise, and bacon.
Spread the dip into an 7×11″ baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
