The holidays are a wonderful time to start new traditions and keep old ones alive. So much of the holiday season is filled with nostalgia and memories. This is part of what makes it so magical. There are certain types of feelings associated with different smells, sights, and sounds during the holidays. One of the more exciting parts of planning is considering how to create these memories for your smallest family members.

We all know that being a child during the holidays can be extra special. There is a sense of excitement that we can remember as we witnessed preparations, and spent time with extended family and friends. One of the keys to creating memories is preparation. Things such as decorating, planning, cooking, all these things have to do with preparing. They build a sense excitement so the holidays are more than just a day.

One of the first ways to incorporate your baby into Thanksgiving that comes to mind is food!  Your baby may not be able to claim the turkey leg but they can certainly try some butternut squash. Part of the fun is that your family is able to laugh and join in the fun of baby trying their first bit of cranberry sauce. There are many recipes out there for mashed butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and mashed apples. Also, putting a menu and list of people that attended your baby’s first Thanksgiving in their baby book is a great keepsake. One day your child can look back on how it all began and what dishes are still the same! I also love the idea of writing down what you are Thankful for each year and storing it in a jar, that way your family can always look back on all the blessings throughout the years.

One of the best parts of the holidays is having family and friends around. Sometimes grandma and grandpa sleep over. Or you have a friend or relative visit from out of town. Or maybe your sister eats too much turkey and decides to camp out on your couch. Whatever the reason, part of the fun is lounging around the next day with overnight guests eating leftovers. Having a breakfast bread that is easy and make ahead is another way to make things stress free. What’s even better is using  a baking dish that allows you to bake the bread, freeze it, and then return it to the oven when it is ready to be served. What is special about the OXO baking dish is that it is made from borosilicate glass. This glass can withstand extreme temperature changes and can go directly from the freezer to the oven (without needing to thaw). It won’t shatter or break in the oven. Just place the baking dish in the oven at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes. Then have the honey cream cheese spread and cardamom crumble on hand for topping.  No waking up early or worrying about what to eat and cleaning multiple pieces of serving utensils or bakeware. This new take on the traditional date nut bread is a great way to wake up the next morning after an epic meal.

This post is done in partnership with OXO. All opinions and recipes are my own.

Whole Wheat Date Nut bread recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart.

Whole Wheat Date Nut Bread with Cardamom Crumble and Honey Cream Cheese Icing

The perfect make ahead breakfast bread. A great twist on classic date nut bread. The cardamom crumble and honey cream cheese spread make this the perfect morning snack for the holidays!

ingredients

date nut bread

• cooking spray

• 1 1/2 c hot water

• 1 c pitted dates, chopped

• 1 large egg

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 c all purpose flour

• 1 c whole wheat flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 3/4 tsp coarse salt

• 1 c pecans, chopped

• 3/4 c brown sugar

cardamom crumble

• 1 c quick oats

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 1/4 c brown sugar

• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

• 1/4 c walnuts, chopped (optional)

honey cream cheese

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 Tbsp honey

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

instructions

date bread

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a glass 1.6 qt loaf baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, pour hot water over dates and let stand until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in egg, oil, and vanilla. In another bowl, stir together flours, baking soda, salt, pecans, and brown sugar. Fold wet mixture into dry until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

2. Bake about 65 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the middle of the loaf comes out clean. Let rest 10 minutes, then turn out from pan onto a cooling rack.

cardamom crumble

1. In a medium size pan melt and brown the butter over a medium to low heat. The butter will get foamy and turn a golden brown color.

2. Meanwhile in a medium size bowl mix together the oats, brown sugar, cardamom, and walnuts.

3. Add the mixture to the pan with the brown butter. Mix making sure the oats are all covered and soaked into the butter

4. Add the lemon juice and mix again, allowing the oats to get softer and a golden color.

5. After about five minutes remove from the heat. Let the mixture cool and then top the date nut bread with the honey cream cheese spread. If you have leftover, it makes great granola for yogurt!

honey cream cheese

1. Let the cream cheese soften enough so it is easier to mix ingredients.

2. Beat cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon until smooth with an electric mixer using a medium low speed.