Orange and Cranberry Chex Mix

 Snack mixes are very popular during the holidays.  It's a great to have out to munch on.  This is perfect for fall and the holidays. Cranberry and orange is a classic combo.

Keep in an airtight container.  Of course it won't last long. 

This has the classic base of chex cereals.

Start with a large bowl, add 3 cups corn chex cereal.

3 cups wheat chex cereal

3 cups honey chex cereal

Add 8 oz sliced or slithered almonds

I also added some pecan pieces.

The base is ready. 

Melt 4 Tablespoons butter

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

The melted butter

Mix those together.

This is the oj concentrate.  I remember when this was the only way to get orange juice.  It can be found but you have to look.

1/4 cup orange juice concentrate thawed

Mix all that together. 

Now pour and stir the sauce on the cereal mixture. 

Stir stir stir until everything is coated.  Preheat oven to 300. 

Now here is where I messed up a little. The recipe says to put in a roasting pan to bake.  I thought I knew better and would put it on two cookie sheets in a thin layer.  Guess what I was wrong.  I ended up with some burnt pieces and ended up not baking as long as it said.  Don't be like me put it in a roasting pan and stir often.  Bake for 30 minutes stirring occasionally

Remove from oven and let cool on the counter. 

Add 5 oz dried cranberries

Once it is totally cooled put in an airtight container. 

Orange Cranberry Chex Mix Recipe

3 cups corn chex cereal

3 cups honey chex cereal

3 cups wheat chex cereal

8 oz sliced almonds can also add pecans

4 Tablespoons melted butter

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup orange juice concentrate thawed

5 oz dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 300.  Bake for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Pecans

 I found this recipe this fall and saved it for Christmas party time.  These are a great appetizer that you can make ahead for your parties this holiday season. 

Give these a try soon.  They would make an great afternoon snack as well. 

Honey is optional.  I only added a little bit. 

Start with 8 oz softened cream cheese.

Add 1/4 cup orange juice.

A pinch of salt.

1 Tablespoon orange zest.  I didn't measure mine I just zested an orange. 

I added about a Tablespoonful of honey. 

Measure 1/2 cup pecans. 

I chopped them in my mini food processor. 

1/2 cup dried cranberries. 

Chop them a little as well. 

Mix it well.  The recipe says that it will make 4 flour tortillas, I did half for one party and saved half of the cream cheese mixture.  I stored the cream cheese mixture in the fridge overnight.  On the day I was going to use it I set it out of the fridge several hours to soften. 

Set out a flour tortilla.

Spread some of the mixture on the tortilla.  Don't go to the edge.

Roll it up tightly. 

Wrap in plastic wrap.  Store in the fridge for at least an hour.  

Before serving, unroll and using a sharp knife cut into rounds. 

Place on a serving dish and enjoy.  This is 2 tortillas cut into pieces.  I think everyone will enjoy them.

Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Pinwheels with Pecans Recipe

8 oz softened cream cheese

1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries

1/4 cup orange juice

1 Tablespoon orange zest

1/2 cup chopped pecans

4 large flour tortillas

1 Tablespoon honey optional

pinch of salt

Baked Ham with Cherry Glaze

 I have been wanting to try this ham recipe for a while.  Now seemed like a good time with all the hams in stores right now. 

This ham has lots of flavor and is very moist. 

Just because the ham comes with a glaze packet you don't have to use it.  I saved it because I might find a use for it later. 

We are going to make the glaze first.  Start with 1 cup cherry preserves/jelly.  Now mine had whole cherries in it and the recipe said to put in a blender to chop up but I didn't want to dirty any more dishes so I didn't.  

Add 1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1 teaspoon salt

the zest of one lemon

juice of one lemon.  

Whisk all the ingredients in a saucepan.  It smells so good with the spices.  Bring the sauce to a simmer on the stove and let simmer for a couple of minutes while you get the ham ready. 

Make a plus sign with foil.  I used heavy duty foil. Place the ham in the center.  Put cut side down. 

Line a roasting pan with foil.  This will also help with cleanup.  Add a couple cups of water to the bottom. 

Baste the ham with about half of the glaze. 

Wrap tight. 

Put it in the roasting pan.  Add to a preheated 325 oven.  Cook for about 15 minutes per pound. 

Take out of the oven and unwrap.  Increase the temperature of the oven to 400 degrees.  

I turned the ham on it's side so I could get the glaze in between the slices.  Use the rest of the glaze.  put back in the oven.  The recipe says for 30 more minutes, but after 20 minutes it looked like the edges were getting too done so I took it out. 

Now take it off the bone.  It is really good. I hope you try it and enjoy it too.

Cherry Ham Glaze Recipe

1 cup cherry preserves

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 lemon- zested and juiced

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground mustard

Bake ham at 325 for 15 minutes per pound.  Remove from oven turn temperature up to 400 degrees. Glaze and bake for 20-30 minutes.