Crazy for Cranberries

They are the signature fruit of the season, and since they’re both delicious and highly nutritious, you should definitely make ruby red cranberries a highlight of your holiday meals. But please forget the can-shaped gelatinous goo. Fresh or flash-frozen cranberries are easy to find this time of year, and consuming them this way, you’ll reap far more of their extensive health benefits.

These tart little treasures are rich in phytonutrients, including proanthocyanidin antioxidants that have been proven to fight cancer, diabetes, bacterial infections, general inflammation and dementia. They can also keep you smiling bright by helping to prevent cavities. Plus, they’re chock full of essential vitamins like C, A, B-carotene and folate and minerals like potassium.

Try these two recipes at your next holiday gathering. One is traditional; the other’s a little outside the cranberry bog and sure to grab some attention.

 

Classic Cranberry Sauce

This is the real deal.

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

2 tsp orange zest

2 T fresh-squeezed orange juice

¼ tsp cinnamon

In a saucepan bring the sugar and water to a boil. Add the cranberries and bring back to a boil. Turn down the heat to medium low and simmer until the cranberries pop open and soften. Add orange juice, zest and cinnamon. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Let sauce cool before placing in the fridge to thicken. Serve cold or at room temperature.

 

Cranberry Salsa

Try this as a dip for chips, on a turkey sandwich or spooned over warm brie.

2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 firm pear or apple, cored and peeled

1 large jalapeno, seeds removed, chopped fine

1/3 cup chopped green onions

3 T raw honey

1 T sugar

1 T lime juice

zest of one lime

2 T fresh mint or cilantro, chopped fine

Salt to taste

Rough chop apples and cranberries in a food processor. Just a few pulses should do it. Don’t turn them into sauce. Place the chopped cranberries and apples in a large bowl. Add the onions, lime zest, peppers, honey, sugar, juice and salt and mix well. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add the cilantro or mint and mix again. Enjoy!