Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad

This one was emailed to me as an alternative to Strawberry Pretzel Salad. A neighbor was having a birthday, so it was the perfect time to give it a try. It definitely was worth the time (and very little effort)! I ended up using fresh mandarin oranges (3) instead of the canned. I think they taste so much better. Something very refreshing about oranges and pineapple in a jello salad in the summer. Definitely one to take to parties and potlucks.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/orange-gelatin-pretzel-salad/?trkid=ZMSN

Pinwheel Cookies (Christmas Cookie Countdown 2017 #6)

This one was easy to make, but took several steps (as in 2-3 days). I think next time I will freeze them then cut so that I get rounder shapes. My cookies definitely don't look like the picture. I will say though, I like the filling. It tasted like a liquid version of Terry's Orange. And once they were cooked, it was hard to stop eating them. *A word of caution, please use a good metal cookie spatula and take them immediately off the cookie sheet or they will get sticky and harden.*

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pinwheel-cookies?_cmp=CookieCountdown&_ebid=CookieCountdown1212017&_mid=185255&ehid=dfef5f62f666e299097ce5854fb7aea035676b6b

Orange Cranberry Bread (High Altitude)

I can never get enough of orange sweet breads, scones, etc.  I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the hubby also like orange breads--the only complaint was "not enough orange icing on top". haha Another great recipe from my "Baking at High Altitude Cookbook".

(Orange) Cranberry Nut Bread

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 1/4 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups pure orange juice

1 teaspoon orange peel or orange zest

3 cups cranberries [I used orange infused cranberries]

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

**For the icing, I just used a regular icing recipe and added orange extract**

1. Cream the butter, sugar, eggs.

2. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, orange juice and orange peel or zest to the butter mixture.

3. Mix thoroughly while adding the cranberries and walnuts. Mix the batter until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Grease two 9-inch bread pans. 

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

6. Bake 50-60 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Harvey's Little Big Orange Cookies

Another fun little recipe from Aunt Bees Mayberry Cookbook. I love orange flavored cookies, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, scones etc... I admittedly ate more than my share; the boys were not as enthralled as I was. ;)

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and the remaining ingredients. Drop by the spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes. [Makes 2 dozen.]