The Girl Needs Something to Do!

The other day, this is how I found a few of my Willow Tree things:

The handiwork of Cloe. A free decorating service, perhaps?

After school, it seems like I'm always busy trying to get supper ready and completing final touches of cleaning before Cody gets home from work. I don't like to have Cloe just plop in front of the tv, but sometimes it's hard to keep her occupied.
She is becoming more and more interested in helping in the kitchen, so yesterday, I got everything ready and told her jump in! One of our favorite quick breads is Cranberry Orange Bread. It is so citrusy, tart, fresh and yummy! She had a blast mixing this up and was so proud of herself when the beautiful bread came popping out of the oven!
Here's the recipe--it's obviously kid friendly too!


Cranberry Orange Bread

2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. orange juice (we like the extra pulpy kind)
1 tsp. orange rind, grated
1 egg
1 c. fresh cranberries (chopped)

Stir dry ingredients together and mix in softened shortening. Combine orange juice, rind, and egg. Mix together enough to moisten, carefully add cranberries. Bake in lightly greased loaf pans at 350 degrees until slightly golden brown and toothpick comes out clean. (1 hour for a large loaf and 30-40 minutes for small loaves.)

Enjoy!