Mandarin Orange Cake

This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the bright and zesty essence of mandarin oranges, imparting a delightful citrusy flavor with every bite. Whether you're indulging in this dessert as a teatime treat or as a sweet finish to a meal, this mandarin orange cake is a delightful option for those seeking a unique and refreshing twist on traditional cakes.

Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix

• 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice

• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. Combine cake mix, mandarin oranges with juice, eggs, and oil in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes. Set aside to cool for at least 30 minutes.

4. Beat pineapple with juice, whipped topping, and dry pudding mix together in a large bowl until blended. Spread on cooled cake.

Christmas Orange Hot Chocolate

This is the perfect Christmas morning drink next to the fireplace with classic Christmas music playing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk

• 1 (1 ounce) envelope instant hot cocoa mix (such as Swiss Miss®)

• ¼ cup orange juice

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Heat milk in a saucepan over high heat; whisk hot cocoa mix into milk until completely dissolved. Continue whisking for 1 minute, reduce heat to medium, and gradually stir in orange juice. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top and stir. Pour hot chocolate into a mug.

Orange Pumpkin Bread

You can try this moist loaf with an orange cream spread, butter, or leave plain. For a variation, try substituting dates for the raisins.

Ingredients

• 1 large orange

• 1/3 cup butter, softened

• 1 1/3 cups white sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/3 cup water

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• 1/2 cup chopped raisins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2. Cut orange into wedges, and remove seeds. Place orange, peel and all, in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin, water, and the ground orange. Mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir into batter just until moistened. Stir in nuts and raisins. Spoon into the prepared loaf pan.

4. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes, then remove from pan, and cool on a wire rack.

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Image by Rebecca Siegel

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