As you go through the day, look for tiny treasures strategically placed along the way. -Sarah Young
Especially this time of year, the hustle and bustle of the season can really wear us down! I love the quote that reminds us to find the treasures in each day.
A few weeks ago I was in Bend, Oregon with my family. Each day I really looked for things that reminded me to be grateful. The little pleasures that brighten a day.
(On a walk with Haggis, our Cairn Terrier.)
Our family really gets in to shopping at Good Will (it’s fun in other cities), so on one quick trip to town, I found a lovely bowl for the “special” salad I was going to make for dinner.
Special holiday salad
Cranberry salad is perfect for the holidays. I love it for Christmas – it reminds me of my mother and my Aunt Barbara, who made this salad every year. Every year … I really don’t think they ever missed a year. My Aunt Barb still makes it, and her daughters. 
Make the day before
I prepared the fresh berries in my KitchenAid food processor a day ahead.
My helper in the kitchen.
Then we added the grapes, nuts, and whipped cream.
And served.
Happy kids, great food, treasured time with the family.
I didn’t have to look far on this day for the blessings of family, but I did have to hunt down the bowl in the Good Will store.
Does your family have a traditional salad they make during the holidays?
Recipe: Holiday Fresh Cranberry Salad {ReluctantEntertainer.com}
Summary: Nostalgic fresh cranberry salad that is perfect for the holidays, making me think of my Aunt Barbara and mom, Millie.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh cranberries, coarsely ground
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 1 1/2 lb. seedless grapes, cut in 1/2
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
- Mix together the cranberries and sugar and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
- In a large bowl, add the cranberry mixture.
- Cut the grapes in half. It may be necessary to press into a sieve to remove most of the juice. Add to the cranberry mixture.
- Whip 1 cup whipping cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. The whipping cream should be really stiff. Fold into the cranberry mixture.
- Chill the salad.
- Leftovers can be frozen and served as a frozen salad later.
Preparation time: 15 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 12
I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram.
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this "icon" portrays a great message. 
I want to share with you some of my favorite places to visit in blog-land, sites that I learn from and am inspired by, and some beautiful friends that I’ve met over the years.
Awww…what a sweet post! Your family is so beautiful, Sandy! The cranberry salad looks delicious. I always make a salad I call “Christmas Salad”. Basically it’s a simple green salad with dried cranberries and goat cheese added. My family loves it!
[Reply]
We always do a Jell-O mold that my Mimi made up and I LOVE it! My sister and I would eat the whole thing in one sitting
[Reply]
I have to make this! I use to make a another sweet cranberry salad, but with pineapple and jello, not nearly as good as this!
And your family is so cute!
[Reply]
We always make this “holiday cranberry salad” — a cranberry Jell-O combination that’s topped with a sour cream/cream cheese mixture: http://unsophisticook.com/cranberry-salad-recipe/
I love that yours uses fresh cranberries though. We’ll definitely give it a try!
[Reply]
Amazing, I would just eat this with a spoon…all to myself!
[Reply]
Finally found a cousin that had my late MIL’s “green jello” salad recipe. It is a favorite of several in our extended family members and a must at family gatherings. Can’t wait to try yours as cranberries are a favorite among our family, it looks yummy and I’m sure there will be no leftovers!
[Reply]
Oooo Sandy I love that color! So pretty on the table.
[Reply]
I love a salad like this, especially with the crunch of the nuts.
[Reply]
We make this salad every year too except without the grapes!
[Reply]
My mom always made something she called “Lime Salad” that is lime jello, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, cottage cheese (and it used to have a cup of mayo in it but I leave that out to make it lighter). I am the only one in the family that still makes it and I LOVE it! I always make it for Christmas and it is very pretty on the table – green instead of red like yours. My mom has been gone several years now and I always think of her when I make it. I am so glad she and I made it together for many years because the recipe was not written down. Family tradition recipes are so special! Thanks for sharing yours with all of us!
[Reply]
I really want to try this, it is similar to one my mother-in-law makes and it is so delicious. You have such a gorgeous family!
[Reply]
Cranberry ANYTHING this time of year is good with me. But this salad looks especially beautiful – a great holiday dish!
[Reply]