Baguettes bring joy to my family!

My 21-year-old daughter got a special look Saturday afternoon when I brought in groceries, and she saw a baguette. “Does that mean…?” she asked. “Yes, it does,” I replied, and she just about jumped for joy. How could baguettes bring her so much joy you ask?

You know how your kids react when they know something they really like is coming soon? Well, that’s what my kids feel when they see a baguette…cranberry toast is coming soon! Every year around Thanksgiving or Christmas, I make cranberry sauce, splurge on a block of cheese (with W30 I don’t normally have that around as often), and grab a baguette to make this holiday breakfast favorite.

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best!

I used to watch cooking shows in my teens and 20s. The food looked so good, the cooks made it seem so simple. Some even taught a little history or culture along with the recipe. Long before the internet, I took copious notes thinking I would try ALL of these recipes later. For many, that day never came, BUT for this simple little recipe, I tried it later in life, and it became a family favorite in my own home. (Here’s the link to the original show – this recipe begins at 8:45)

The real proof came when my son requested cranberry toast for his Eagle Scout reception…pretty high praise from an 18-year-old boy. And the caterer (a dear friend) loved it ‘cause it made her job easier!

Cranberry Toast

• 1 baguette
• Butter or ghee
• 1 batch whole cranberry sauce (I make mine from this recipe with a few adjustments)
• 1 8-oz block Cheddar cheese

Heat the oven broiler on High. Slice the baguette at an angle so the pieces are a little longer (I have used half pieces of Italian bread in a pinch – or when it’s on sale!). Spread each piece with butter and broil on bottom rack of oven until just beginning to crisp. I turn on the oven light and really watch it (only takes about 90 seconds). Remove from oven.

Spoon cranberries on top of each piece and top with a thin slice of Cheddar cheese. Return to broiler for about 2 minutes more. You want the cheese melted but the edges of bread not black.

Makes about 12 (2-piece) servings

(My adjustments to cranberry sauce recipe: I put everything together in the saucepan, bring to a boil and then simmer for 5 minutes. Super easy!)

Give your kids the gift of traditions they love

Traditions are one of the things that bind us together as families…shared experiences, shared likes, shared memories…none more evident than favorite recipes we repeat again and again. This Christmas, LISTEN for any special requests your family makes. WATCH for those super sparkly smiles. PAY ATTENTION to what each member likes the most and write those down for next year’s holiday meals. And don’t forget…it’s not just Christmas dinner. Breakfast counts, too, and you might just find baguettes (and cranberry toast) bring a smile to your kids’ faces!

Share one of your holiday favorites in the comments below. We always love to try new things…that’s how we’ve found a LOT of our own family faves…like Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Apples and Onions (check out recipe here)!