Cranberry White Wine Spritzer

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Cranberry White Wine Spritzer

cranberry white wine spritzer

I don't always take my food photographs in traditional locations. Sure, I have plenty of photos taken in the kitchen or dining room, but I have just as many taken elsewhere. My motto is to follow the light—when the light isn't in the kitchen, I pack up my equipment and move. I've taken photos on the laundry room floor, the ledge of a floor heater, and many more on top of the dryer... No place is safe from my camera lens.

This spritzer posed a unique challenge. Light flooded every room in the house which left me with many options. I initially set up for the photo shoot on the dining room table. Napkins and garnishes covered the table to offset the drink, but the photos were dull and uninspiring. I moved to the side table in the living room. The window curtains were reflecting in the glass. I moved to the bedroom. It was even worse. After moving to four separate locations, I was ready to throw in the towel (or napkin, as it may be).

But then I was hit with an idea. A wonderful, awful idea.

Barefoot in the snow on the deck, I snapped these photos. And it worked.

I love it when it works.

cranberry white wine spritzer

This cranberry white wine spritzer is bubbly, fizzy, and just plain good. The cranberry syrup is tart and tangy but, when combined with the wine and the soda, the whole mixture become light and sweet. This cocktail is perfect for dinner parties, sharing with friends, or when you simply want a little pick-me-up at the end of the day.

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Cherry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

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Cherry Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

cherry chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies

I find that the more I watch television, the more I continue to watch television. Once I start, I can't quite bring myself to stop. The advertisements for the next episode or a new show draw me in, whether I like it to or not.

I lived without a television for many years. Sure, I would keep up with a few of my tried and true shows through the internet, but I never went out of my way to find new shows or, god forbid, watch reality tv just for the sake of it. Going for walks, reading books, or just sitting in silence replaced the background noise of the glowing screen. I never missed the television—when you don't have one you simply find other (and often more productive) ways to spend your time.

cherry chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies

Lately, my eyes have been glued to the screen. I find myself flipping through the channels looking for something, anything, to watch. It doesn't even have to be good, quality television. Bad TV and I have become close friends, whether I like to admit it or not. This weekend I saw a promo for the next episode of The Bachelor and actually tuned in. I've never watched an episode in my life! While I know many of you know and love it (we all have our guilty pleasures, don't we?), it is something that has never interested me. Since when have I become so lazy I'm willing to watch anything as long as it thinks for me? I feel a bit of shame.

But today, I shut off the television. I turned down the radio. Reveling in the silence of a snowy winter afternoon, I baked these cookies. And it felt good.

cherry chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies

These cherry chocolate chunk oatmeal cookies have the qualities of a classic oatmeal cookie. Crispy at the edges and thick and chewy in the center, these cookies combine the best in cookie textures. The tart cherries and bittersweet chocolate contrast well against the lightly sweetened dough. These cookies are perfect for dunking in a glass of milk or curing the midnight munchies.

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Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread

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Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread

chocolate marbled banana bread

I love a good banana bread. I am ever searching for new and different banana bread recipes; I guess you could say I'm a sucker for it. But, in my defense, there are so many different varieties!

There are healthy breads, like this banana nut bread, that are stuffed with good things for you. Not only do they get the stamp of approval for breakfast, but they are tasty too. By adding nuts and straying from butter and oil, you can have your "cake" and eat it too.

chocolate marbled banana bread

But my favorite has to be the dessert breads. I may be a bit of a chocoholic, but I don't think I'm biased in insisting that chocolate and banana is a flavor combination sent down from heaven itself. There are breads stuffed with chocolate chunks, some that are cinnamon spiced, and even more with a crunchy crumb topping. These breads resemble cake more than bread, but I can't stop wishing it was okay to eat these for breakfast...

Even the flour can significantly alter the the finished product. An all-purpose flour will yield the traditional loaf of bread you already know and love, whereas whole wheat flour will yield a loaf with a complex and hearty texture. Cake flour yields a loaf with an unbelievably velvety and smooth texture (almost like cake itself, but with less calories!). In some aspects, I guess you could say I'm a banana bread connoisseur. But really, I think its only fair I share this delicious obsession with you.

chocolate marbled banana bread

This chocolate marbled banana bread is soft, tender, and never too sweet. Each bite alternates between bursts of banana and deep bittersweet chocolate flavors, complementing each other with taste and ease. The marbled pattern gives a twist on the traditional banana bread loaf while adding an air of sophistication. This is a great banana bread recipe to add to your arsenal.

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