At Sun Village in Penticton, mealtimes are a chance to connect, celebrate traditions, and share the simple joys of life. Summer often means enjoying the fresh flavours of the season — from garden vegetables and local berries to cool drinks and outdoor picnics. Residents love gathering for summer socials, family barbecues, and patio lunches, where food becomes a natural way to celebrate the sunshine and each other’s company. Many of our residents also bring with them years of cooking experience, family favourites, and cherished recipes that carry special memories.
This summer, we’re excited to feature one of those recipes from Nadine, a resident in one of our Park Place communities. Nadine loves baking, and her Orange Cranberry Cookies have become a treat she’s proud to share. Bursting with citrus flavour and finished with a drizzle of white chocolate, they’re the perfect combination of refreshing and indulgent — just right for a summer gathering.
Nadine’s Orange Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups salted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 ounces white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together, then mix in almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch. Add to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Stir in orange zest and cranberries.
- On a floured board, roll dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut out cookies with a cookie cutter. Alternatively, roll dough into a log and slice into ¼ inch rounds.
- Bake at 325°F for 12 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before drizzling with melted white chocolate.
A Few Pro Tips
- Chill the dough – For cleaner slices or sharper cookie-cutter shapes, chill the dough for 30 minutes before cutting and baking.
- Try different shapes – Use seasonal cookie cutters (flowers, suns, stars) to make them festive for summer gatherings.
- Play with textures – Leave some cranberries more roughly chopped for a chewier bite.
- Make ahead – Roll the dough into a log and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just slice and pop them in the oven.
- Gift idea – Stack a few cookies in a clear bag tied with ribbon, which is perfect for sharing with neighbours or family.
The Joy of Sharing Recipes
For Nadine, baking is more than a hobby — it’s a way to bring people together. Whether she’s preparing cookies for friends, enjoying an afternoon tea, or sharing her recipe, her love of baking adds warmth and joy to everyday life. Recipes like hers often spark memories of childhood kitchens, holiday traditions, or time spent cooking with loved ones. Passing them along keeps those traditions alive while giving them new life among neighbours and friends.
Food has a special way of opening the door to conversation. A plate of cookies might lead to a story about growing up, a memory of family gatherings, or even a friendly exchange of baking tips. These small gestures of care create opportunities for laughter, connection, and comfort, turning an ordinary afternoon into something truly memorable.
Food, Wellness, and Connection
Cooking and baking are tasty pastimes, and they also provide opportunities for creativity, sensory stimulation, and social interaction. For residents, the simple act of making or sharing a dish can be uplifting, purposeful, and deeply rewarding. A favourite family recipe can spark memories and conversations, while trying something new can bring a sense of discovery. At Sun Village, we encourage residents to share their favourite dishes with friends and neighbours, whether by swapping recipes, baking together in small groups, or bringing a plate of treats to a community gathering. These moments of sharing turn everyday meals into occasions that celebrate connection, tradition, and joy.
Try It at Home
We invite you to try Nadine’s Orange Cranberry Cookies in your own kitchen this summer. They’re perfect for family picnics, neighbourhood potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a sunny afternoon.
At Sun Village, residents continue to inspire us with their creativity and care for one another. If you’d like to learn more about life at Sun Village in Penticton, we invite you to book a tour with us. Together, we can celebrate the everyday moments that make community life so special.