Monday, November 22, 2010

Cranberry Thanksgiving


But forget all that today. It was Thanksgiving, her favorite day of the year. The cranberries had been picked, boxed and sent to the market. The dried corn had been soaked and the corn pudding made. The turkey was roasting in the old iron oven. Turnips, tiny green peas and a pumpkin pie were ready. Then cranberry bread was cooling on the wooden board. The real work was done and the feast was almost ready.
Every year Grandmother invited a guest for dinner and allowed Maggie to do the same. 
"Ask someone poor or lonely," she always said.
It never mattered to Maggie or her grandmother that the red carpet was worn and mended or that the silver spoons didn't match. Friendship and sharing were important. Everyone knew that. 

Grandmother's Famous Cranberry Bread
(Get Mother to help)

2 C sifted all-purpose flour
1 C sugar
1 1/2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 C butter
1 egg, beaten
1 t grated orange peel
3/4 C orange juice
1 1/2 C light raisins
1 1/2 C fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add egg, orange peel, and orange juice all at once; stir just until mixture is evenly moist. Fold in raisins and cranberries.
Spoon into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.

Recipe tested by the Food Department of Parents' Magazine.

3 comments:

aimskidoodles said...

lovely.

rachel with redshoes on said...

This is one of our family's favorites. I love Mr. Whiskers! I love the scene of the chase! Oh, I am delighted you know this book too. Happy Thanksgiving!

apple slice said...

i was introduced to it this year on a library trip with buddy. i became enchanted. i cannot buy the book. it is too rare.