Cranberry Walnut Bread

Live simply. That has been my life theme recently. 

For me, living simply means un-cluttering our home. I've tossed out mountains of papers and files, cleaned out closets, and given away many boxes of stuff. Shelves are being cleared, junk drawers are being organized. 

It means keeping a simple schedule. I have said no to many activities, and am saying yes to only the things that a) align with my deeper values and b) fit with the relationships and commitments that I currently have.

It means spending daily time on a handful of things that, when I do them regularly, greatly increase my personal health, joy, and effectiveness.

It means making good, simple food. Like this cranberry walnut bread. Like all good quick breads, it's unfussy, fail-proof, and can be made in practically no time. I had some cranberries to use up, and this bread was the perfect vehicle for them. All the other ingredients were available in the pantry. Make sure to let your quick bread cool completely, allowing for the flavors and texture to really come together. Cut and eat the next morning, if you can wait that long!

Cranberry Nut Bread (from Simply Recipes)

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2 cups flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped cranberries
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp grated orange peel

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped cranberries and walnuts to coat with the flour mixture. Mix together orange juice, sugar, butter, egg, and orange peel. Add to flour, cranberry, nut mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just blended. Pour into a greased 9x5 or 8x4 loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 55 to 60 minutes or until done (a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.