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Cranberry Craze: 3 Healthy Recipes Using this Winter Staple

When thinking of all the things you’re thankful for this holiday season, we hope your health is on the list. And while the holidays are not exactly known for a time of healthy eating, there is one common holiday superfood ingredient that’s on your side: cranberries.

Do you know how much nutritional power is inside a cranberry? Due to their rich source of antioxidants, these small berries are capable of preventing E. coli bacteria from causing infections in the body. There are even recent studies that prove that cranberries can also lower the LDL, aka “bad” cholesterol levels. Bring on the cranberry sauce!

Just be sure that when using this fruit in recipes, remember how tart the natural taste can be. Rather than filling with artificial sweeteners, go for agave, real maple syrup, raw honey or coconut sugar rather than refined sugars. This fruit is a tart, colorful addition that you can incorporate into your breakfast, appetizer or main course.

Here are three not-so-typical cranberry recipes that will leave your dinner guests wanting more this holiday season.
 

 
 

3 Healthy Cranberry Recipes:

 

1. Cranberry Chia Seed Jam

cranberry-chia-seed-jam
 
Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 an apple diced (gala preferred)
  • 2 tbsp of cinnamon
  • 1/8 cup of chia seed

Start by combining all of the ingredients above into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stirring frequently, simmer for about 15-20 minutes. As the cranberries pop, they will need more stirring. If the jam becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water here and there in the heating process to thin out the mixture.

We love this jam on pancakes or on homemade sourdough bread. Or top a turkey sandwich for a flavor burst! Store it in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
 
 

2. White Bean, Cranberry and Rosemary Dip

white-bean-cranberry-dip
 
Ingredients:

  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can cannellini beans, drained
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

 
Sautee the oil over low heat. Add garlic and chopped rosemary to your heated oil and cook for about 5 minutes. Next, drain the can of cannellini beans and place the beans in a food processor. Pour the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice over the beans. Puree the mixture until the dip becomes smooth, adding water or oil if it is too thick.

Taste the puree and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cranberries and pulse until combined. Serve the dip with crackers or chopped veggies and garnish the top with more cranberries, drizzle of olive oil and rosemary.
 

 
 

3. Sweet Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Salad (Serves 2)

 
Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh arugula
  • 2 cups brussels sprouts
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup pepitas
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (optional)

 
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Wash and chop the Brussels sprouts in half. Slice the shallot into small slivers. Place the chopped veggies in a baking dish and pour olive oil and maple syrup on top and sprinkle with cinnamon. Toss to combine.

Roast the veggies for about 25 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are soft and the shallots have caramelized. Once roasted, allow the veggies to cool for about five minutes and mix in cranberries and pepitas.

Assemble the vegetable mixture over a bed of arugula. Top with goat cheese crumbles or your favorite vegan cheese. Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and enjoy!
 
 

Add Some Zest to Your Winter Cooking With These Cranberry Recipes

This holiday season, your recipes should be anything but boring! But you don’t have to sacrifice cooking healthy to satisfy even your most picky dinner guest eaters.

Wow your loved ones this holiday season with delicious and incredibly healthy cranberry dishes that are sure to add color and fancy flavor to your special meal. Happy holidays!

Looking for more delicious and wintery recipes? These Delicious Vegan Comfort Food Recipes Are Perfect for Winter

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Kate Van Horn

Kate Van Horn is a tarot reader, business mentor and intuitive healer based in LA. Kate hopes to inspire others to radically accept themselves, their stories, their bodies, and live more authentically. She leads beginner courses and tarot trainings for women who hope to share this spiritual tool with others.

katevanhorn.com

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