Cranberry Pecan Pie

This tart-sweet pie would be great for Thanksgiving dinner.

1 c. light corn syrup
2/3 c. sugar
3 eggs, beaten
3 T. real butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. pecan halves
l/2 c. coarsely chopped dried cranberries
l bottom pie crust (homemade or ready-made)

In a mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla; blend well. Stir in pecans and cranberries. Line a 9-inch pie plate with pie crust. Pour pecan mixture into pie crust. To prevent over-browning, cover the edge of the pie with foil. Bake 350˚ for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake about 25 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Serves 8.

When a recipe for a pie tells you to “cover the edge with foil to prevent excess browning”, take a sheet of foil, about 12”x15” and fold it in half. Now fold it in half again. On the corner where the folds are, cut out a quarter-circle. Unfold the foil, (there should be a circle in the center of your sheet of foil) and place around you pie pan. The center of your pie will brown nicely, and the edges won’t burn!

Which side of aluminum foil do I use?? According to the leading manufacturer of foil, it doesn’t matter! The shiny and dull sides are a result of the manufacturing process.

Glutton: a person who takes the piece of pie YOU wanted.

Cran-Apple Muffins

In winter, when oranges are peak, I grate the peel, and store in a small container in the freezer to use when needed. Do not grate any of the white “pith”, as it is bitter. (Muffins are on top plate)

½ c. whole-berry cranberry sauce
½ tsp. fresh grated orange peel

1½ c. flour
½ c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt

1 egg
1/3 c. milk
1/3 c. oil
1 c. peeled, shredded Granny Smith apple

½ c. powdered sugar
1 T. orange juice

In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and orange peel; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In another bowl, beat the egg, milk and oil, stir in apple; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined cups half full. Make a well in the center of each muffin; fill with about 2 tsp. of reserved cranberry mixture. Bake 375˚ 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in muffin comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Combine powdered sugar and orange juice; drizzle over cooled muffins. Makes 12-16

Every person in the US eats 50 pounds of apples every year.

Cranberry Relish

The cranberry is Wisconsin's No. 1 fruit crop in both value and acreage. The cranberry industry supports about 7,200 jobs across the state. This simple recipe is one of my favorites.

1 c. water

1 c. sugar

3 c. fresh or frozen cranberries

Bring water and sugar to a boil over high heat. Add cranberries. Simmer 10 minutes. Cool. Cover and refrigerate.

Did you know that there are only 3 fruits native to North America that are commercially grown? They are cranberries, blueberries and concord grapes.