# Cranberry Orange Cookie Bars: A Delicious Vegan and Gluten-Free Delight

Looking for a cookie’s flavor and texture combined with the simplicity of a bar? Presenting: cranberry orange cookie bars! These chewy, buttery bars are filled with vibrant orange essence and tangy cranberries. Your favorite new treat is just **1 bowl** and **8 ingredients** away! And yes, they’re **vegan** and **gluten-free**! Let’s get started!

## Recipe Overview

If you’ve prepared our [Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars](https://minimalistbaker.com/gluten-free-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars-vegan/), you’re already most of the way to mastering this autumn-inspired variation! First, we create a “flax egg,” but instead of using water with the flaxseed meal, we mix it with orange juice for the liquid. Combined with an ample amount of orange zest, this guarantees the **lively orange essence**!

For the other wet ingredients, we have classic cookie staples: brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted (vegan) butter. Everything is mixed together by whisking in **1 bowl**!

Next, we incorporate our favorite [gluten-free flour blend](https://minimalistbaker.com/best-gluten-free-flour-blend/), which surpasses any commercial blend we’ve encountered. If making your own isn’t appealing, a store-bought blend with similar components will do, just adjust the amount of flour as needed for differing absorbency levels.

The last ingredients include baking powder for a hint of fluffiness, salt for added flavor, and dried cranberries for delightful tart-sweet bursts.

Press the dough into a parchment-lined baking pan, bake until golden, and it’s (almost) cookie bar time!

After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before cutting. This allows them to set and retain their shape. But if you **can’t** wait, we understand! The aroma is tempting!

## Why You’ll Adore These Cookie Bars

– **Chewy**
– **Buttery**
– **Just the right sweetness**
– **Infused with orange**
– **Vegan + gluten-free**
– **SO simple to prepare!**

These bars are ideal for fall gatherings, satisfying cookie cravings any time, and sharing with vegan/gluten-free friends or anyone who enjoys the cranberry + orange pairing.

## More Cranberry Orange Delights

If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo [@minimalistbaker](https://www.instagram.com/minimalistbaker/) on Instagram. Happy baking, friends!

## Recipe Details

### Ingredients

– 1 Tbsp flaxseed meal
– 2 ½ Tbsp orange juice
– 1 Tbsp orange zest
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
– ¾ cup packed brown sugar
– ½ cup melted vegan butter
– 1 ⅓ cups gluten-free flour blend
– ¾ tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp sea salt
– ½ cup dried cranberries (or dried tart cherries)

### Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flaxseed meal, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract (optional). Allow it to gel for 5 minutes. Then, mix in the brown sugar and melted vegan butter. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
3. Gently fold in the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and sea salt. Finally, stir in the dried cranberries until just combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, press to level the top, and bake for 25-28 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is golden. Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before slicing into bars.
5. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

### Nutrition Information (per bar)

– Calories: 149
– Carbohydrates: 25.4 g
– Protein: 0.5 g
– Fat: 5.4 g
– Saturated Fat: 4 g
– Sodium: 137 mg
– Sugar: 13.9 g

Enjoy your cranberry orange cookie bars!

# Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs: A Delicious Take on a Timeless Recipe

If all the traditional, herby, flavorful elements of Thanksgiving merged into one delightful main course, these turkey meatballs would be it! They’re WAY simpler to conquer than roasting a turkey, making them ideal for intimate holiday celebrations and year-long Thanksgiving cravings.

## Ingredients for Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

These straightforward, tasty ground turkey meatballs necessitate only a handful of essential ingredients:

– **Ground turkey** – Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple! Ground chicken would also work nicely in this recipe, but ground beef has a more intense flavor, which might overshadow the herbs.
– **Sautéed onion, celery & garlic** – These veggies form a savory flavor foundation, and when sautéed, they become soft and contribute a sweet, caramelized taste. Additionally, sautéing decreases the water content, allowing for nicely browned meatballs.
– **Panko breadcrumbs** – These serve as the binder (no eggs required!), while also absorbing any surplus moisture. Gluten-free breadcrumbs function perfectly here for our GF diners!
– **Fresh herbs** – We enjoy a mix of rosemary, sage, and parsley, which evoke the tastes of Thanksgiving. Using fresh herbs guarantees superior flavor, but dried herbs can also be used in this recipe (just reduce the amounts by half!).
– **Sea salt** – For taste! Any finely grounded salt will suffice, although we do favor the flavor of sea salt.

## How to Prepare Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

1. **Sauté the vegetables** – Cook the onion and celery with olive oil and salt for seasoning until they become soft and aromatic, then add the garlic and keep cooking for another minute.
2. **Combine** sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and turkey. Mix until the herbs and salt are uniformly spread out, but be careful not to overwork the meat (overworking can result in tough meatballs).
3. **Scoop & shape** – Utilize a cookie scoop for easy creation of uniformly sized meatballs (which guarantees even cooking).
4. **Bake** for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius).
5. **Broil** – This last step provides the meatballs with a golden exterior and enhances their flavor!

## Can These Turkey Meatballs Be Prepared Ahead of Time?

Yes! For optimal flavor and texture (perfect for serving at a holiday event), prepare up to step 4 (mixing ground turkey with seasonings and breadcrumbs), refrigerate the mixture, then shape + cook just before serving. Alternatively, you can fully cook the meatballs and reheat them in the oven, or freeze the formed meatballs before baking and cook them directly from frozen.

## Can I Cook on the Stovetop?

Certainly, though the meatballs might not be as uniformly round in shape! You can cook over medium heat in a lightly oiled skillet, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If they are browning too swiftly before being cooked through, lower the heat.

## Do I Have to Use a Cast Iron Skillet?

Not at all! You can sauté the vegetables in any skillet and then cook the meatballs on a lightly oiled baking sheet or in any broil-safe dish (avoid glass).

## Conclusion

We hope you enjoy these meatballs! They’re savory, tender, herby, gratifying, quick & easy, and perfect for small Thanksgiving gatherings! These meatballs pair especially well with Thanksgiving favorites like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Their simplicity makes them equally ideal for year-round dining, including busy weeknights!

### More Holiday-Friendly Mains

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo on Instagram. Cheers!

**Elevating Your Smoothie with Greek Yogurt: A Protein Powerhouse**

Smoothies have emerged as a favorite among health aficionados and those with hectic schedules, providing a swift and tasty method to intake vital nutrients. One effective way to enhance the nutritional value of a smoothie is by adding Greek yogurt, a protein-packed ingredient that can elevate your drink into a more fulfilling and healthy meal.

**Protein Booster: Greek Yogurt**

Greek yogurt is celebrated for its substantial protein levels, making it a fantastic complement to smoothies for anyone aiming to boost their protein consumption. By swapping out ¼ to ½ cup of milk with Greek yogurt in your smoothie recipe, you can greatly increase the protein content. This change not only improves the nutritional quality but also adds to a creamier mouthfeel and a zesty flavor.

When you incorporate Greek yogurt, you may notice that your smoothie thickens more than you’d like. If this happens, just add a bit more water to reach your desired texture. This modification guarantees that your smoothie blends well while retaining its luxurious, creamy consistency.

**Storage Tips: Keeping Your Smoothie Fresh**

While smoothies are ideally consumed right away for the best flavor and texture, there are occasions when making them in advance is needed. Fortunately, this mango smoothie recipe stands up well over time. When stored correctly, it can remain fresh for 1 to 2 days in the fridge.

To keep your smoothie, transfer it into a sealed container or a mason jar with a securely fastened lid. This preserves its freshness and wards off any unwanted flavors. It’s essential to remember that some separation is normal during storage. Before drinking, give the smoothie a vigorous shake to mix the ingredients back together, restoring its original texture and taste.

By including Greek yogurt in your smoothie and adhering to these storage recommendations, you can savor a wholesome, protein-rich drink that effortlessly fits into your busy routine. Whether enjoyed right away or kept for later, this upgraded smoothie is guaranteed to delight your palate and meet your nutritional requirements.

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the creators of two celebrated cookbooks and the founders of the well-known website A Couple Cooks, they have been motivating home cooks since 2010 with their uncomplicated, seasonal recipes and contagious passion for the culinary arts.

Alex and Sonja’s foray into the realm of food blogging commenced with a mutual affection for cooking and a wish to unite people through delightful, nutritious meals. Their site, A Couple Cooks, stands as a testament to this aim, providing thousands of unique recipes, cooking advice, and meal planning inspiration that cater to busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike.

What distinguishes Alex and Sonja is their cooperative method to cooking. As a real-life couple, they grasp the joys and hurdles of preparing meals together, and they share this exclusive viewpoint with their audience. Each recipe on their platform is a collaborative effort, with Alex and Sonja both participating in the writing, photography, and testing stages. Their children also play an essential role, acting as the ultimate taste testers for their dishes.

The Overhisers’ devotion to simplicity and seasonality is apparent in their recipes, which highlight fresh, accessible ingredients and uncomplicated techniques. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, their inviting style makes it simple to whip up delectable dishes that honor the tastes of each season.

Besides their online activities, Alex and Sonja have penned two cookbooks that delve deeper into their culinary beliefs. These books provide readers with a more extensive exploration of their favorite recipes and cooking insights, offering inspiration for anyone aiming to enhance their home cooking experience.

As busy parents, Alex and Sonja comprehend the significance of meal planning and time management in the kitchen. They share practical suggestions and techniques for maximizing your time while still relishing the cooking experience. Their website is a wealth of resources for anyone wishing to optimize their meal prep without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Through A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have cultivated a lively community of food enthusiasts who share their love for cooking and eating well. Their commitment to quality, creativity, and family-oriented recipes has established them as a reliable source of inspiration for innumerable home cooks worldwide.

Whether you’re in search of a quick weeknight dinner suggestion or a stunning dish for a special event, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have you covered. With their expert advice and infectious enthusiasm, you’ll uncover the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing delicious meals with your loved ones.

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Team Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair behind the renowned culinary site, A Couple Cooks. As authors of two celebrated cookbooks, devoted parents, and a genuine couple united by a love for cooking, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home cooks globally since 2010. Their adventure commenced with a straightforward aim to express their affection for uncomplicated, seasonal recipes and the joy that comes from cooking together.

In 2010, Alex and Sonja established A Couple Cooks, a venue to share their culinary innovations with a broader audience. What began as a pastime swiftly transformed into a comprehensive guide for home chefs in search of delightful and attainable recipes. The website now features thousands of original recipes, all carefully created and photographed by the couple themselves. Each recipe reflects their dedication to quality and their enthusiasm for food.

A distinctive element of A Couple Cooks is the personal flair that Alex and Sonja infuse into their content. Every recipe is tested not only by the couple but also by their children, guaranteeing that the meals are family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. This hands-on method has garnered them a devoted readership that values the authenticity and dependability of their recipes.

In addition to recipes, A Couple Cooks provides an abundance of cooking advice and meal planning suggestions. Alex and Sonja recognize the struggles of juggling a hectic lifestyle with the wish to prepare nutritious, homemade meals. Their website offers practical tips and inspiration for anyone aiming to enhance their culinary skills and relish the experience of crafting meals from scratch.

Alex and Sonja’s commitment to their craft has been recognized. Their cookbooks have received acclaim for their innovation and accessibility, making them a significant addition to any home cook’s collection. Through their efforts, they keep encouraging others to embrace the joy of cooking and to appreciate the fulfillment that arises from sharing a meal with loved ones.

In a society where fast food and convenience frequently take priority, Alex and Sonja Overhiser remind us of the value of pausing, relishing each moment, and discovering joy in the simple act of cooking together. Their journey illustrates the strength of passion and collaboration, and their recipes celebrate the beauty and simplicity of homemade meals.