Cranberry😋Sauce

With all the wonderful food we see each year on the table at the prettiest and most vibrant is usually the cranberry sauce. It’s the kind of color that says, “I’m fancy, I’m delicious, and I’m here to make your meal sparkle!” If not your favorite to eat, definitely a pretty sight to behold. Enjoy these two great healthy recipes sure to please everyone one way or another.  

Diabetic-Friendly Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Cinnamon

Cranberry sauce doesn’t need to be loaded with sugar to be delicious! This fun, diabetic-friendly version uses stevia to sweeten it naturally and adds a pop of orange and cinnamon for extra festive flavor. It’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

• 1-2 tsp liquid stevia or preferred low-calorie sweetener (adjust to taste)

• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds (for thickening and added fiber)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and ground ginger (if using). Stir to combine.

2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cranberries burst open and the sauce thickens.

3. Sweeten It: Once the cranberries are cooked down and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in your sweetener (start with 1 tsp of stevia and taste—it’s easy to adjust to your preferred sweetness level).

4. Thicken with Chia: For extra texture and fiber, stir in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. They’ll help thicken the sauce as it cools and give it a lovely, natural consistency.

5. Cool and Serve: Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature before serving, or refrigerate it for a few hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld. Garnish with extra orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Why It’s Diabetic-Friendly:

• Low in Sugar: By using stevia or your preferred low-calorie sweetener, this cranberry sauce cuts out the added sugars found in traditional recipes, making it a better choice for managing blood sugar levels.

• High in Fiber: The chia seeds provide a boost of fiber, which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and makes this sauce more filling.

• Antioxidant-Rich: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, helping to fight inflammation and support overall health.

• Vitamin C: The fresh orange juice and zest add a burst of vitamin C, which is great for immune support—especially helpful during the holiday season!

This is a festive, healthy twist on a Thanksgiving classic. It’s sweet, tart, and packed with flavor, so everyone at the table can enjoy it without worry!

Next we have a Cholesterol-Friendly Cranberry Sauce recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving! It’s made without added butter or heavy sugars, using healthy ingredients to create a tart and flavorful sauce that everyone can enjoy.

Cholesterol-Friendly Cranberry Sauce with Orange & Apple

This heart-healthy cranberry sauce is naturally sweetened with apple and orange, eliminating the need for added sugars or excess fat. It’s a simple, vibrant side dish that pairs wonderfully with turkey and all your favorite holiday dishes!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)

• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

• 1 cup fresh orange juice

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• 1-2 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)

• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)

• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, chopped apple, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and ground ginger (if using). Add water and stir.

2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will start to pop, and the sauce will thicken as it cooks.

3. Sweeten (Optional): Taste the sauce, and if you’d like a touch of sweetness, add maple syrup. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference, but remember that the apple and orange provide natural sweetness without the need for extra sugar.

4. Mash and Thicken: Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, use a spoon to mash some of the fruit for a smoother consistency, or leave it chunkier if you prefer. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.

5. Cool and Serve: Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature or refrigerate for a few hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Why It’s Cholesterol-Friendly:

• No Added Fats: This recipe contains no butter or oils, which helps keep it heart-healthy and low in cholesterol.

• Natural Sweeteners: Instead of processed sugars, we’re using fruit and a small amount of pure maple syrup to add natural sweetness, making it a healthier choice for your heart.

• Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

• High in Fiber: Apples and cranberries provide fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and support healthy digestion.

This is a nutritious and tasty addition to your Thanksgiving feast. It’s packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain heart health during the holidays!

Well all that's a wrap for sides as we head into Thanksgiving tomorrow. I hope these have been helpful and if not at the least amusing. What is your favorite cranberry sauce? Let me know in the comments. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving all and thank you for your love and support this holiday season and as always keep that smile SMILING