A Prize, A Good Deed and Cranberries ...

Today I am very excited to have written a guest post for the blog, 2 Just B You.  

I recently won the 100th Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop Giveaway! My prize included a free copy of Carrie Groneman's book, A Mother's Shadow and free advertising for my blog on three other websites that I really admire: 

• 2 Just Be You 

• Ducks 'n a Row 

• Confessions of a Mommyaholic. 

Then, making this prize even sweeter, Kim invited me to write a guest post for her blog today!

Have you ever noticed that when you do a good deed, you often benefit as well?  I tell a story on Kim's blog today that is a perfect example of this.  And, it includes one of my favorite holiday recipes - perfect for snacking or giving away!

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While I was making some Sugared Cranberries this week, I was thinking about the many benefits of doing good things for others.  The way I acquired the recipe for these berries is one example of a very unexpected benefit of a good deed!

I am a member of our high school Booster Club. Last year, our core group of volunteers all did some baking, arranged it on some platters, and placed these where the teachers and staff would find them the next morning.  It was a small gesture of gratitude for the work they do all year.  

As I was delivering one of the platters to the custodian's break room, I noticed that someone had contributed a container of a really tasty-looking treat - with a recipe attached for Sugared Cranberries.  I had never heard of making these, but they looked amazing.  I set the tray on the table, but before leaving the room I snapped a photo of the recipe with my iPhone.  

I wish I could remember who contributed these berries, or at least knew the origin of the recipe, so I could give that person credit here. I do know that I probably gained more from the small donation of my time and efforts that evening, than probably most of the teachers who consumed our donated treats. (Unless, of course, they also kept a copy of this recipe!)

I have made Sugared Cranberries numerous times. They are yummy to snack on - their initial sweetness followed by a burst of juicy tang is quite addictive!  I have also found they make a lovely hostess gift, when packaged in a pretty bowl.

It's true - to give is truly to receive! 
If I was not a Booster Club volunteer, I would not have this recipe! 

If you make these, here is another tip:

Instead of discarding the liquid after the cranberries have steeped, it can be kept in a sealed glass container in the fridge for a couple of weeks. This simple syrup has a wonderful cranberry flavor and a pretty color. It can be used in many beverage/ cocktail recipes. Also, I am coming up with some other uses for it, which I will be sharing in the future on my blog.

If you do pop over to the most - - of every moment, I hope you will leave a comment and say hello!

Have you ever reaped unexpected benefits from an act of volunteering?

Also, I have been participating in the December Instagram Challenge: #Instaalbum2014 - “Celebrating the holiday season one photo at a time.”  Follow me on Instagram to see the photos I am posting there.

Also, remember to visit this blog on December 15th, and enter the giveaway sweepstake I am hosting that day. (Find out more by clicking on the link in my sidebar.)

Happy weekend!

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!