Orange Cranberry Waffles (A Cozy Winter Breakfast)

 

These orange cranberry waffles use dried cranberries and fresh orange zest for a simple, cozy winter breakfast that’s perfect for holidays or weekends.

Orange Cranberry Waffles (A Cozy Winter Breakfast)

Picture this: it’s a cold winter morning, the house is still quiet, and you’re wrapped in a sweater with a warm mug in hand. Outside, it feels gray and chilly, but inside the kitchen is cozy and calm. It’s the kind of morning that calls for a real breakfast — something warm, comforting, and a little special, whether it’s a holiday morning or just a slow weekend in December.

The waffle maker heats up on the counter as the smell of orange zest starts to fill the room. Steam lifts when the lid opens, revealing golden waffles dotted with cranberries, crisp at the edges and soft in the center. Butter melts instantly, syrup drips into every pocket, and suddenly the whole kitchen feels warmer. It’s simple, familiar, and exactly what a winter morning should feel like.

These orange cranberry waffles are made for cozy breakfasts like this — easy enough for a weekend, but festive enough for a holiday morning. Bright citrus and tart cranberries add just the right balance, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that feels a little more special, without any extra fuss.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• All-purpose flour - The base of the waffles, giving them structure while keeping the texture light.

• Granulated sugar  -Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and bright citrus.

• Cornstarch - Helps create crisp waffle edges with soft, fluffy centers.

• Baking powder & baking soda - Work together to give the waffles lift and an airy texture.

• Salt - Enhances all the flavors and keeps the waffles from tasting flat.

• Dried cranberries - An easy, pantry-friendly option that adds tart pops of flavor without extra prep.

• Buttermilk - Adds richness and a slight tang, keeping the waffles tender.

• Eggs - Bind everything together and help create structure.

• Unsalted butter - Adds flavor and contributes to those golden, crisp edges.

• Orange zest - Brightens the waffles with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Simple Substitutions

• No buttermilk? - Use milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.

• Out of dried cranberries? - Swap in dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.

• Dairy-free option - Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.

• No orange zest? - Lemon zest works beautifully for a slightly different citrus note.

Variations

• Holiday Spice Waffles - Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.

• Nutty Orange Cranberry Waffles - Stir in finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Kitchen Notes and Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter — a few small lumps help keep the waffles light.

• Let the waffle maker fully preheat for the crispiest results.

• Lightly grease the waffle iron between batches to prevent sticking.

• These waffles are best served hot, straight from the waffle maker.

• To keep waffles warm for a crowd, place them on a wire rack in a low oven.

• Leftovers can be frozen and reheated in a toaster for easy winter breakfasts.

Make Ahead & Freezing

• Make the batter ahead: The waffle batter can be mixed and stored, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a gentle stir before cooking.

• Cook ahead for guests: Waffles can be cooked earlier in the day and kept warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

• Freezing leftovers: I do this all the time! Let waffles cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Reheating: Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or oven until warm and crisp — no need to thaw first.

• Perfect for busy mornings: Having a batch in the freezer makes cozy winter breakfasts easy, even on hectic holiday mornings.

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Winter Crostini with Goat Cheese, Cranberry & Pistachios

 

Winter crostini made with creamy goat cheese, cranberry preserves, and pistachios. A simple, elegant appetizer perfect for winter entertaining and last-minute hosting.

Winter Crostini with Goat Cheese, Cranberry & Pistachios

Every winter, there’s always that moment when you realize you need one more appetizer. Friends popping by, small get-togethers, and even impromptu gatherings.  I don't want to make something complicated or time-consuming—just a little something that feels special, looks beautiful on a platter, and makes it seem like you planned ahead.

That’s where these winter crostini come in.

It's layered with creamy goat cheese, jewel-toned cranberry preserves, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.  Each bite tastes tangy, sweet, and crunchy and the colors alone just feel perfect for the season—a deep red, soft white, and a pop of green—making them as eye-catching.  

Crostini are also one of my favorite hosting shortcuts. Toast the bread, spread, spoon, sprinkle—and suddenly you have an appetizer that works just as well for a cozy winter gathering as it does for a festive evening with friends. They’re simple enough for a last-minute addition, but elegant enough to hold their own on a cheese board or appetizer spread.  Another great one to try would be my Plum and Mascarpone Crostini.

Whether you’re hosting a winter get-together, setting out snacks for a special evening, or just want something small and satisfying to share, these winter crostini always fit the moment.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• French Baguette - The sturdy base for crostini—sliced and toasted until golden so it holds all the toppings without getting soggy.

• Olive Oil - A light brush adds flavor and helps the bread toast up crisp and golden in the oven.

• Goat Cheese - Creamy, tangy, and easy to spread, goat cheese balances the sweetness of the preserves perfectly.

• Cranberry Cherry Preserves - Adds a sweet-tart pop of flavor and that deep red color that feels just right for winter.

• Pistachios - Chopped pistachios add crunch, a hint of saltiness, and a little texture to finish each bite.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Swap the Cheese - Cream cheese, mascarpone, or whipped ricotta all work beautifully if goat cheese isn’t your favorite.

• Change the Preserves - Cranberry orange, cherry, fig, or even raspberry preserves can be used depending on what you have on hand.

• Use a Different Nut - Chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds are easy alternatives to pistachios.

Variations

• Savory-Sweet Twist - Add a drizzle of honey and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just before serving.

• Herb-Forward - Finish with a light sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy winter note.

Kitchen Notes and Tips

• Toast the baguette just until golden—over-toasting can make the crostini too hard to bite into.

• Let the crostini cool slightly before spreading the goat cheese so it doesn’t melt.

• For easier spreading, bring the goat cheese to room temperature first.

• Assemble just before serving for the best texture and presentation.

• These crostini pair well with wine, cocktails, or as part of a larger cheese board spread.

Other Crostini Recipes

Fig Harvest Crostini

Strawberry Crostini

Plum and Mascarpone Crostini

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Fun Holiday Pizza Night: Easy Pizza Shapes Kids Can Help Make

Make holiday pizza night a fun activity for the whole family! Easy cookie-cutter pizza shapes like gingerbread men and snowmen let kids help create a festive, delicious dinner or appetizer.

Fun Holiday Pizza Night: Easy Pizza Shapes Kids Can Help Make

Make dinner a fun holiday activity this season! These festive pizza shapes—gingerbread men, snowmen, stars, and more—are easy to make with store-bought dough and simple toppings. Kids can help with cutting, decorating, and adding their favorite toppings, turning pizza night into a holiday tradition everyone will love.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Holiday-themed cookie cutters (gingerbread men, snowmen, stars, etc.)

• Pizza dough (store-bought dough such as Pillsbury, naan bread, or premade pizza crusts)

• 14-ounce can peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or mashed

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 8 fresh basil leaves, torn

• Mozzarella cheese, torn or shredded

• Optional toppings: sliced olives, mini pepperoni, or other kid-friendly favorites

Instructions with Tips for Getting the Kids Involved!

• Preheat the oven according to your pizza dough or crust package directions.

• Prepare the sauce: Place peeled tomatoes in a bowl and crush by hand or with a masher. For a smoother sauce, pulse the tomatoes with an immersion blender about three times. Stir in the salt and torn basil leaves. Set aside.

  • Kid Tip: Let kids help tear the basil leaves and stir the sauce—they love feeling like “chefs”!

• Cut the dough: Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface if needed. Use holiday cookie cutters to cut dough into festive shapes. Carefully transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Kid Tip: Allow kids to press the cookie cutters into the dough and pop out the shapes—they get a hands-on holiday activity.

• Assemble pizzas: Spoon a small amount of sauce onto each dough shape, spreading gently while leaving a small border around the edges. Top with mozzarella cheese and any optional toppings.

  • Kid Tip: Let kids sprinkle the cheese and decorate with toppings—they’ll love making each pizza unique!

• Bake: Follow your dough’s recommended bake time until crust is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Smaller shapes may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

  • Kid Tip: This is a great time to teach kids about oven safety—remind them to watch from a safe distance or wear oven mitts if helping near the tray.

• Serve: Let cool slightly before serving, then watch the kids enjoy their creations!

• Kid Tip: Let kids arrange the pizzas on a festive platter—they’ll feel proud showing off their creations.

Tips & Variations

• Kid-friendly fun: Have a decorating contest if you have more that one kid by letting them add the toppings themselves—they’ll love decorating their own pizzas.

• Holiday twist: Use different cookie cutters for stockings, trees, or candy cane shapes.

• Party-ready: These mini pizzas are also perfect as a holiday appetizer plate for friends, neighbors, or classroom parties.

• Quick version: Use premade mini pizza crusts or naan for super fast prep.

Make It a Holiday Tradition

Turn a simple pizza night into a fun, festive activity that the whole family looks forward to. With a few easy steps, a little creativity, and some holiday spirit, these mini pizzas are sure to become a favorite holiday tradition.

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Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf (The Perfect Holiday Side!)

Bring color and big flavor to your holiday spread with this Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf—an irresistible blend of nutty wild rice, sweet cranberries, and buttery shallots.

Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf (The Perfect Holiday Side!)

The holidays already come with enough to juggle, so I wanted to create a Christmas side dish that brings big festive flavor without adding stress to your cooking day. This Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf is exactly that kind of recipe—beautiful, comforting, and wonderfully unfussy. It’s a dish that looks special on the table but doesn’t require hours of prep or complicated steps.

Nutty wild rice is paired with sweet pops of dried cranberries, fragrant fresh thyme, and buttery toasted pecans, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is colorful. Every bite is a little celebration of textures and holiday flavors, making it the perfect complement to any festive main dish.

Whether you’re hosting a full holiday feast or just want to add a special touch to your dinner table, this pilaf is easy to make ahead, full of vibrant flavor, and guaranteed to please the crowd. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you enjoy the season without standing over the stove for hours.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Wild Rice Blend – A mix of wild rice and hearty whole grains that adds nutty flavor and great texture.

• Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory depth; using broth instead of water makes every bite more flavorful.

• Shallots – Mild, slightly sweet onions that bring a soft aromatic base to the pilaf.

• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps the shallots caramelize beautifully.

• Canola Oil – Keeps the butter from burning and helps toast the wild rice.

• Fresh Thyme – Provides earthy, fragrant holiday warmth in every spoonful.

• Bay Leaf – Subtly enhances the background flavor as the pilaf simmers.

• Dried Cranberries – Add pops of sweetness and a festive burst of color.

• Pecans – Bring buttery crunch and cozy holiday flavor when toasted.

• Salt & Pepper – Simple, essential seasonings that balance and brighten the dish.

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

• Wild Rice Blend → Brown Rice or Long-Grain Rice: Use if you prefer a softer texture or a quicker cook time.

• Chicken Broth → Vegetable Broth: Makes the dish fully vegetarian while keeping the flavor rich.

• Pecans → Walnuts or Sliced Almonds: Any nut with a good toasting quality works well.

• Shallots → Yellow or Sweet Onion: A simple, accessible swap that still brings great flavor.

• Fresh Thyme → Dried Thyme: Use a smaller amount—dried herbs are more concentrated.

Easy Variations

• Holiday Herb Version: Add fresh rosemary and parsley for an extra layer of festive, aromatic flavor.

• Citrus Twist: Stir in a little orange zest at the end for a bright, seasonal pop that pairs beautifully with cranberries.

Kitchen Notes & Tips

• Toast the pecans for the best flavor—this takes just a few minutes but makes a big difference.

• Let the rice rest after cooking; it helps the cranberries plump and the grains finish steaming.

• Use high-quality broth since it determines much of the pilaf’s flavor.

• Don’t skip sautéing the shallots—this builds the aromatic base that makes the dish taste slow-cooked.

• Make ahead friendly: Cook the pilaf earlier in the day and gently rewarm with a splash of broth.

• Fluff, don’t stir, to keep the grains from getting mushy.

• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—wild rice can handle a good pinch of salt.

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The Viral Lasagna Soup Everyone’s Making — A Cozy Winter Comfort Food (Perfect for Christmas Eve)

 

This viral lasagna soup is a cozy winter comfort food made in one pot and packed with classic lasagna flavor. Perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or Christmas Eve.

The Viral Lasagna Soup Everyone’s Making — And Why It’s Perfect for Christmas Eve

When the weather turns cold and comfort food cravings hit, this viral lasagna soup is exactly what you want simmering on the stove.  If you’ve been on social media at all lately, you’ve seen the viral lasagna soup taking over everyone’s feeds — and for good reason. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavor you love in traditional lasagna, but without the hours of prep and baking. One pot, a handful of simple ingredients, and a few minutes later, you have a steaming bowl of comfort that tastes like it belongs at a family dinner table. 

This year, I’m putting a holiday twist on this internet favorite. Imagine serving a warm, twirly bowl of lasagna soup on Christmas Eve — something that feels festive and indulgent, yet keeps your kitchen stress-free. It’s also perfect for busy evenings, casual family gatherings, or even a quiet, cozy night at home with your loved ones. The aroma alone will make your house feel like all cozy and warm, and the cheesy, meaty, tomato-rich broth guarantees smiles all around.

And the best part? This viral soup is ridiculously easy to make, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With every bite, you’ll get the nostalgia of traditional lasagna without the heavy lift, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll want to keep on your rotation. Trust me — once you try it, this lasagna soup will become your new holiday and winter tradition.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Ground Sirloin – Adds a rich, beefy flavor and keeps the soup hearty and filling.

• Ground Italian Sausage – Brings seasoning, depth, and the classic lasagna flavor you expect.

• Yellow Onion – Builds a savory base and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.

• Garlic – Essential for that warm, aromatic flavor that ties the whole soup together.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Intensify the tomato flavor and add a subtle tangy richness.

• Red Pepper Flakes – Add a touch of heat you can scale up or down to taste.

• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the soup its familiar lasagna essence.

• Salt & Pepper – Balance, enhance, and bring out all the savory flavors.

• Crushed Tomatoes – The main body of the broth, giving the soup its rich tomato base.

• Tomato Paste – Deepens the flavor and thickens the broth slightly.

• Red Wine – Adds boldness and complexity (and cooks off!), but can be swapped if needed.

• Beef Broth – Forms the savory liquid base and keeps the soup hearty.

• Lasagna Noodles – Broken into pieces for that fun, twirly “lasagna-in-a-bowl” effect.

• Ricotta Cheese – Creates that creamy, classic lasagna topping when dolloped onto the soup.

• Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the hot broth.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground Sirloin → Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or extra sausage.

• Italian Sausage → Replace with mild or spicy sausage, or use all ground beef if preferred.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes → Skip them or swap in a spoonful of tomato pesto for added depth.

• Red Wine → Replace with beef broth, chicken broth, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

• Beef Broth → Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work in a pinch.

• Lasagna Noodles → Any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, mafalda, or broken fettuccine.

• Ricotta Topping → Swap for cottage cheese blended smooth or use a dollop of mascarpone.

Variations

• Creamy Lasagna Soup – Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a rich, silky broth.

• Veggie-Loaded Version – Add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk it up and make it extra hearty.

Kitchen Notes & Tips

• Break the noodles into large pieces so they mimic real lasagna layers and don’t overcook too quickly.

• Cook the noodles right in the soup for maximum flavor — they soak up all that tomato-rich broth.

• Taste as you go, especially after simmering — soups need seasoning adjustments at the end.

• Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot to help the soup simmer evenly without scorching.

• Let the ricotta topping sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors meld.

• Add extra broth if your soup thickens too much; the noodles continue to absorb liquid as it rests.

• Top with chopped parsley, or basil for a little garnish.

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