Maple-Orange-Cranberry Syrup

I love this syrup.  It's great on any pancake, french toast or waffle.  You might even like it over ice cream.  It's easy and quick to make.

MAPLE-ORANGE-CRANBERRY SYRUP

Ingredients:
*1 cup pure maple syrup
*1 cup fresh cranberries
*orange zest from one orange
*juice squeezed from one orange
*1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1 teaspoon butter

Directions:
~Bring syrup, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon and cranberries to a boil, over medium heat.
~Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until cranberries pop.
~Crush cranberries with a wooden spoon or spatula.
~Simmer very low for another 5-10 minutes.
~Strain through sieve (this is optional, but I like my syrup without pulp).
~Add butter to liquid and stir until melted.

Variations:
`substitute fresh cranberries with cranraisins.   Add 1/4 cup orange juice to recipe.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

I love the combination of orange and cranberries.   These muffins are so moist and delicious.   Easy and quick to make.  If you don't have applesauce you can replace it with vegetable oil

CRANBERRY ORANGE MUFFINS
(makes 12)

Ingredients:
*1 cup dried craisins
*3/4 cup orang juice
*2 cups all-purpose flour
*1 cup granulated sugar
*2 teaspoons baking powder
*1/2 teaspoon baking soda
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1 large egg
*3/4 teaspoon fresh squeezed orange juice
*1/4 cup plain apple sauce
*1 1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
*3/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions:
~Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
~Spray muffin pan with cooking spray.
~In a small saucepan,  heat up 3/4 cup orange juice and craisins over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil.
~Remove from heat and allow mixture to come to room temperature.
~In a medium bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.
~Drain cranberries and gently mix into dry ingredients.
~In mixer bowl, beat egg, fresh squeezed orange juice, applesauce, orange rind and almonds.
~Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just moistened.
~Spoon dough into muffin pans 3/4 full.
~Bake for 15-20 minutes.
~Remove from pan and allow to cool on cooling rack.