Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Fresh cranberries... well they were frozen fresh!

Yes, the treats are still being made for Jeff's previous co-workers! Next Wednesday will be the last treat day for them as we won't be here anymore the week after.

The treat for Wednesday Treat Day may be a little unseasonal, but there was no way I was going to let cranberries from the freezer go to waste! I always buy a few extra bags during the cranberry season and stash them for summer treats.

Today's recipe is a bar cookie - Orange Cranberry Nut Bars. Inside these moist bars are whole cranberries with sliced toasted almonds scattered throughout. The eggs are the only leavener in the recipe, so the bars are a bit dense - but they do rise a little though. Fresh orange zest adds a zing to these slightly sticky and sweet gems. While these bars do not need anything else, a glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice coats the top with just enough sweetness without being too over the top. When you get a piece that has a cranberry still intact, the fresh burst of flavor that fills your mouth makes your tastebuds stand at attention wanting more of that tangy bite.

We had such a fun and hands on dinner tonight - Fish Tacos with Broccoli Slaw! The original recipe called for cabbage slaw, but we really like the crunch and taste the broccoli version gives. These fresh tacos start with a layer of juicy slaw flavored with lime juice, olive oil and salt. Cod that was seasoned with smoky chili powder and salt is pan-fried just until the firm fillets start to flake. They are then chopped into bite-sized pieces and arranged evenly over the warmed corn tortillas. The tacos are rolled up and finished with a scattering of chopped fresh tomatoes. Because the slaw mixture makes more than you need, it is served on the side as a small crunchy salad.


15 comments:

  1. Those fish tacos look delicious...mmmm!

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  2. After passing along a few of your stories/recipes, Brett's asking why I don't send treats in with HIM to work once a week. Thanks! I owe ya.... LOL Just how did you come up with this "I'll bake treats to send in with my bf once a week, every week" deal!?!? And do you do the same for your coworkers!?

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  3. Yum!!

    What are you doing baking still? Shouldn't you be packing or something!? ;-)

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  4. There you go again with those healthy cookies.lol They look great.

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  5. those cranberry bars are good in any season.

    Thanks for sharing and good luck with the move.

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  6. The bars look good, but the fish taco/broccoli slaw combo looks outstanding!

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  7. Great site dude - keep the recipe ideas and the pictures coming.

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  8. I've never tried fish tacos.I've heard such rave reviews on them,I must try them soon.

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  9. Yum, Yum, Yum! I love cranberries and will have to try this recipe out. And the fish taco's too. Your version is far more healthy than the fish tacos I can get here in restaurants.

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  10. Great photos, Joe. Very colorful post! I'm craving cranberries now.

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  11. I love fish tacos. we used to get them in Puerto Vallarta made from dogfish (a small shark) they were delicious.

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  12. Frozen fruits work so well! I love them and in winter they're the best thing you can find. Thanks for sharing

    Teddy

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  13. Brenda - Thanks!

    Jeph - It originally started as I wanted unbiased reviews for some goods I was baking and it just kind of snowballed from there!

    Erika - We got it easy (kind of...) The movers will be packing everything for us!

    Annie - Thank you!

    Ruth - Yeah! I have more in the freezer, but not sure how to finish using them!

    s'kat - Thanks!

    Joey - Thanks for the nice comments!

    Emily - Do try them, they are quite worth it!

    Barbara - Let me know if you give either recipe a try!

    Nic - I had forgotten about the cranberries being in the freezer for a long time, I'm glad I thought about them the other day!

    Steven - That sounds tasty! I've never had shark though...

    Funwithyourfood - Thanks!

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  14. Thanks for posting a cranberry recipe - I have a case of them in my freezer! After we get back from our trip I'll give 'em my usual substitute-Splenda-for-sugar try and let you know how they turn out. Good luck on your move.

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  15. Cyndi - I'll be watching to see how it works with Splenda!

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