What do you do in the winter? This morning’s local newspaper, The Fairbanks Daily News Miner, has a “Best Bet” of the day which encourages locals to “write three original poems. Take them to The Marlin by 8 tonight…and collect a cash prize.” Now, you gotta know tyhat we are really looking for some inspiration to do something when the daily press will announce this as “activity”!
Fairbanks is small, but there are plenty of things to do in the winter, and plenty of talent. Some savor the outdoor chill of winter sports–whether hockey, skiing or snow machining. Kikkan Randall and Holly Brooks of Anchorage just reached World Cup status for their nordic skiing. Others find creative outlet in quilting, weaving, or other needlework projects. Theatrical, dramatic and opera productions abound, which demonstrates what a tremendous talent Fairbanks produces year round. Our local Vivica Genaux has traveled the world with her wonderful voice.
The answer, for me at least, is lots of baking! I find myself leafing through magazines in lines at grocery stores, or going through files with recipes I’ve clipped that I want to try someday.
Here’s the recipe:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 egg
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chopped cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
Blend together butter and sugar; add milk, orange juice and mix well. Combine the next four dry ingredents and add to egg mixture. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
Bake in preheated oven on greased cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Cool on racks.
AllAboutAlaska 