With Pilgrim Day just right around the corner, it’s time for the annual Turkey Day recipe frenzy. Personally, I prefer the sides to the actual turkey.
Growing up, my favorites were mashed potatoes with gravy, turkey dressing with gravy, and last, but certainly not least, cranberry sauce (without the gravy).
Call it cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, cranberry salad, cranberry chutney, or whatever you call it, it still tastes good!
Benefits
Cranberries high nutrient and antioxidant content definitely put them in the superfood category. Cranberries are a good source of Vitamins C, E, and K1 and minerals manganese and copper.
The deep red colored skin of the berry is a rich source of antioxidant compounds like quercetin, myricetin, ursolic acid, and proanthocyanidins.
Cranberries are one of the best sources of proanthocyanidins. These compounds attach to the lining of the bladder and UTI tract making cranberries effective in reducing the risk of UTI’s.
Several studies have found that cranberries may help reduce the risk of stomach cancer and ulcers. Cranberries may also help decrease heart disease risk factors thanks to the antioxidants quercetin, anthocyanin, proanthodyanidins.
Side Effects
Side effects are few if consumed in moderation; excessive intake may lead to diarrhea and stomach upset.
Since I would hate to be left out of the recipe rush, I figured I’d throw in one of my favorite cranberry recipes — it’s short, not too sweet, but oh so yummy.
I’ve had this recipe for years and have no idea where I found it or who wrote it– so apologizes to the original author. This is one of those recipes where you think you’ll have plenty of leftovers for yourself after the family is gone, but boy it never works out that way.
The Recipe… Finally
So, if you want any for your turkey sandwich the next day, you might want to double the recipe. Drum roll please…. here it is! Hope you enjoy it.
My Thanksgiving Day Cranberry Whatever!
Recipe Type: Entree
Cuisine: American
Author: Susan Taylor
One of my favorite cranberry recipes for the holidays. Quick and easy to make in your food processor.
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Fresh Organic Cranberries
- 1-2 Oranges, Peeled
- 1-2 Organic Apples
- 1/2 C. Organic Chopped Dates
- Dash of Salt (To enhance sweetness and cut back on bitterness)
- 1/2 C Organic Pecans
- **Optional — If you like things a little sweeter, try adding maple syrup or honey; You can use Stevia to sweeten for a sugar-free option. Just sweeten to taste.
Instructions
- Lightly chop all ingredients in a food processor. Put everything in a large bowl and stir well to combine. Enjoy! As always, if you have food sensitivities or allergies, modify recipe as needed.
