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.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

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.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

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.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Holiday Gift Guide for Cooks: Top Kitchen Gifts They’ll Actually Use

 Holiday gifts for cooks made easy—top kitchen tools, gadgets, baking gifts, and foodie favorites for every budget and cooking style.

Holiday Gift Guide for Cooks: Top Kitchen Gifts They’ll Actually Use

The holidays always bring us back into the kitchen—warm spices in the air, pots simmering on the stove, and that comforting hum of cooking that makes a home feel alive. And if you have a cook in your life, you already know: give them something that elevates their time in the kitchen, and their eyes will light up more than the tree.

This year, skip the generic gifts and wrap up something they'll truly use, love, and reach for again and again. These 5 curated categories make it easy to shop for every type of cook—your baker, your gadget-lover, your flavor chaser, and the weeknight dinner hero.

Enjoy!

1. Essential Tools Every Cook Needs

Practical, everyday performers they’ll use constantly.

These are the items cooks replace often, wish were better quality, or secretly hope someone gifts them so they don’t have to buy them again.

“Budget-friendly under $37”

• High-quality silicone spatulas 

• Magnetic double-sided measuring spoons (wet/dry)

   

• Instant-read digital thermometer or this Wired Probe thermometer

• Universal pot lids (game-changer for storage)

 

• Herb scissors or herb stripper

• Adjustable rolling pin with measurement rings

2. Flavor Boosters & Pantry Upgrades

For the cook who loves adding “just a little something special.”

These are the secret-weapon ingredients that make everyday cooking feel gourmet. They’re unique, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for gifting because most cooks won’t splurge on them for themselves.

“Budget-friendly under $38”

• Artisanal spice blends 

• Smoked salt

• Small-batch hot sauces

• Gourmet olive oil set

• Infused honey

• Chili crisp 

Bonus Idea:  Build a “Flavor Flight Gift Box” with 3–5 picks. It’s thoughtful, beautiful, and super giftable.

3. Gifts for the Baker

Soft dough, warm bread, cozy cookie season—bakers deserve their own section.

If your person loves rolling, dusting, kneading, or frosting, these gifts make their process smoother, prettier, and a little more magical.

“All Budget-friendly under $20”

• French rolling pin

• Embossed wooden cookie rolling pin

• Premium vanilla or vanilla bean paste

• Silicone baking mats

• Biscuit making tool set

• Bread-proofing basket (banneton)

• Cookie scoop set

4. Kitchen Gadgets They’ll Actually Use

Fun, clever, and surprisingly life-changing—without being gimmicky.

Gadgets always convert well, and if you pick the ones that truly solve a problem, they become “Why didn’t I have this sooner?” favorites.

“Mid-range gift between $20 - $40”

• Oil mister (great for air frying)

• Mandoline slicer with safety guard

• Mini rechargeable electric whisk/frother

• Kitchen scale

• Silicone air-fryer basket

• Garlic rocker/peeler set

• Cordless immersion blender

Tip:  Add a small gadget to a stocking for an easy “wow” moment.

5. Splurge-Worthy Gifts They’ll Treasure for Years

For the serious cook—or the one you want to spoil.

These are investment pieces, but they’re the ones cooks talk about, rave about, and use daily.

"Splurge-worthy $50 and up"

• Quality Dutch oven - Staub 5 Qt., Le Creuset 5.5 Qt.

 

• High-end blender - Ninja Blender/Food Processor Combo,  Blendtec

• Carbon steel pan

• Chef’s knife

• Cordless multi-speed hand mixer - KitchenAid

• Heavy-duty cutting board with juice groove

Give the Gift of Cooking Joy

Every cook has a rhythm, a ritual, and a handful of tools that make their time in the kitchen sacred. Gifting something that supports that—whether a simple spatula or a beautiful Dutch oven—is more than a present. It’s a love language.

So go ahead and spoil the cooks in your life. They’ve probably fed you all year.

Amazon Associate Disclosure - The links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this blog!