Another year gone, another year older, another year wiser.
There is no way to put this mildly, but 2012 was a pretty crappy year for my family considering we had 4 members who ended up in the hospital, and one very untimely death of my brother-in-law.
Additionally, given the number of tragic events that unfolded this year, especially in Newtown, Connecticut, there appears to be a sense of loss that surrounds us. 
I suppose all you can do is cherish the memories and realize that nothing lasts forever, and that every story, every love story, has a time limit.
To live is now, in the present, in the moment, doing all the things that make you happy, and spending time with the ones dearest to you. 
As we say goodbye to 2012, I hope and pray with whatever little faith I have left that 2013 is one heck of a joyful year for all of us. I hope and pray nothing bad happens. I hope there is truth in the saying that time heals all wounds.
And now to share with you is my very last recipe of 2012... a festive and delicious Cranberry Orange Cake I baked this past Christmas. Once the New Year is upon us, I promise I'll go back to baking and cooking healthy again.
Last but not least, I’d like to wish all the readers a very Happy New Year… may the new year bring you all lots of health, wealth, and happiness. For tonight… eat, drink, dance, live it up, and most importantly, be safe! 
NUTRITION: Cranberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Fiber, and Antioxidants. In addition, they are a good source of Vitamins E and K. Other than that, this recipe has absolutely no nutrition.
APPROXIMATE NUTRITION PER SERVING (yields 16 slices)
- Calories: 236 cals
- Fat: 9.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Carbs: 38 g
- Protein: 2.7 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
CRANBERRY ORANGE CAKE (mostly adapted by Vanilla Garlic)
~ yields 16 slices @ 350 degrees using a 8” by 8” springform pan
INGREDIENTS:
- Eggs – 3
- Sugar – 2 cups
- Unsalted Butter – 1 ½ sticks or 12 tablespoon (slightly softened & cut into chunks)
- Pure Vanilla – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Milk 2% Reduced Fat – 2 tbsp
- All Purpose White Flour – 2 cups
- Fresh Cranberries – 2 ½ cups
- Flour – 1 - 2 teaspoon (sprinkle over the cranberries)
- Orange Zest – zest of 1 orange (my addition to this recipe)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven.
2. Grease the springform pan with butter.
3. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high for at least 5 to 7 minutes. 
4. This is what you should have… a pale yellow color.
5. Add the butter and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes.
6. This is what you should have.
7. Add the milk, salt, and orange zest. Mix for 30 seconds.
8. This is what you should have. 
9. Add the flour.
10. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated, but do not overmix.
11. Add the cranberries. 
12. Sprinkle a teaspoon or so of flour… this will prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom. Fold, DO NOT MIX, fold the cranberries into the batter.
13. Pour the batter into a baking pan. Spread evenly.
14. Into the oven for 45 to 50 minutes, I baked mine for 50 minutes or until the center comes out clean using a toothpick.
15. Gorgeousness!
16. Goes perfectly with a cup of tea.
OVERALL RATING: 4.5 / 5
This Cranberry Orange Cake is incredibly moist and flaky given the amount of butter it entails. I loved this cake due to the combination of sweet and tart flavors, however my sister thought the cake was a tad bit sweet for her liking, so if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you may want to lower the sugar by just a ¼ cup. Although other members of the family didn't quite love this cake because they simply aren't fans of cranberries, I personally loved this cake. This cake tastes amazing straight out of the oven, however it tastes just as good once it cools. The addition of orange zest gave it a little extra something. Keep in mind though, the tart flavors in this cake may not suit everyone’s palette, and since there were a few complainers in the group, I had to give this very delicious cake a 4.5 instead of a perfect 5.
TELL ME: What are your plans for New Years Eve?
kausers kitchen says
Hi Honey, wish u a very happy and peaceful New Year dear..
Cake looks awesome...droolworthy.
honeywhatscooking says
@kausers - thank you. Happy new year to you too. This was a great recipe.
Natalie says
Lovely cake! I love the combo of orange and cranberry! Happy 2013!!
Khushboo says
Happy New Year's to you, Nisha! Hope 2013 is your best year yet! I kept it low key this year and celebrated with a few friends- fun night nonetheless!
Elisa @ Insalata di Sillabe says
Hi dear! Happy 2013! This cake looks super delicious, I'll be definitely making it for breakfast this weekend 🙂
xo, Elisa
The Squishy Monster says
This looks so lovely...I hope you have an amazing 2013! So glad to make your acquaintance! =)
Dixya says
I hope the rough years for your family has passed and hope 2013 will be happier and better for everyone. No Violence Please!
on a different note, the cake looks really good and I can imagine the orange-cranberry combo melting in the mouth. YUM YUM 🙂 I had a good new years - low key nth major though!
honeywhatscooking says
@Khushboo - my New Years was lowkey too... sometimes it's just better.. and it was so bitterly cold here.
honeywhatscooking says
@Elisa - definitely let me know how it turns out when you do. Happy New Year.
honeywhatscooking says
@Squishy/@Natalie - thanks guys. This combination is pretty delicious.
honeywhatscooking says
@Dixya - I hope so too Dixya.. I really do. Thanks for your kind words. yes, NO VIOLENCE. I think 2012 was a rough year for many people. My NYE was lowkey too. 🙂
Parita says
YUM! This would make for the perfect after work snack! My mom would love it, especially with her cup of tea!
And happy new year to you, Nisha! I hope this year brings you lots of love and happiness 🙂
Lawyer Loves Lunch says
Love the combination of orange and cranberry! I especially like how the cranberries become soft and jam like in the cake. Happy New Year, friend- here's to wishing 2013 is a year of peace 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
@Parita - My mom loved this cake too, mainly because there was no frosting on top. Happy New Year.. thank you, you too!
honeywhatscooking says
@Lawyer - I was doubtful about baking with cranberries simply because they are so tart, but yup, they become soft like jam and add a little sweetness to the cake. Thank you... Happy New Year to you too!
eatgood4life.blogspot.com says
OMG, I just posted a cranberry cake without seeing this one first. It really looks yummy. I do too hope that this year is much more joyful for you and that all family and friends around you burst with good health and happiness. Happy new year!!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Happy new year! This cake is a wonderful way to start the new year. I think I may just have to have 3 slices of this thought 🙂
Steph says
Whoa!! I could totally use a piece of this with my hot tea!
honeywhatscooking says
@eatgood4life - Yes, that can happen being that it is "cranberry" season. 🙂 The cake was super yummy, but unhealthy, who cares when it is holiday time? Thank you so much for your good wishes, and I wish you the same. Happy New Year!
honeywhatscooking says
@Chung Ah - Thank you, Happy New Year to you too.
honeywhatscooking says
@Steph - Thanks.. this goes perfectly with hot tea. Happy New Year!
Turmeric n Spice says
Happy new year, love the colors of the cake
honeywhatscooking says
@Turmeric n Spice - Thanks.. Happy New Year to you too!
Manju says
This cake is a huge hit in my house! We've made it twice and Niki eats it for breakfast (it reminds her of a scone!)
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks for sharing Manju. Glad it worked out for you, and especially that the kids like it. Definitely has that scone element to it. I love Orange Cranberry Scones too. 🙂