I’ve got an amazing recipe today that will become a keeper for the holidays, just in time for Thanksgiving. Don’t be surprised, though, if you end up using it at other times of the year!
It’s a healthier take on Cranberry Sauce.
It’s great to accompany almost any meat…and I’ve also found it strangely delicious stirred into roasted veggies or spiralized veggie noodles (I’m a sucker for sauces and dips)!
This thick cranberry sauce is almost a marmalade texture and takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Plus, it can be made several days ahead of time and stored covered in the fridge.
I chose coconut sugar for this recipe because its more nutritious profile and lower glycemic index. You also could add maple syrup (start with ¼ cup and add more to taste). Or, you can add dates for a nutritious natural sweetener. Simply soak 5-6 dates in hot water, and then chop them up before adding them to the pan.
Holiday Cranberry-Pineapple Sauce
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or maple syrup or chopped soaked dates)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup crushed pineapple
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ cup dried tart cherries
- 1 12-ounce package fresh or frozen cranberries
- ⅔ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ½ tsp freshly grated orange or lemon zest
Combine your sugar option with the water, pineapple and pineapple juice, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil. Add cherries and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
Next, stir in cranberries and return to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until cranberries begin popping.
Carefully taste for sweetness, and adjust if necessary. Remove from the heat.
Meanwhile, heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add walnuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to turn light brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
When the cranberry sauce is done, stir in walnuts and orange zest. Let the mixture cool – it will thicken.
Serve the sauce either at room temperature or chilled. This keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator.
This is so much better (and better for you!) than canned cranberry sauce that typically contains high fructose corn syrup as a main ingredient. Feel free to adjust the flavor to your tastes.
Enjoy this Thanksgiving or just any time you want to add some festive Fall flavor to your fave foods (say that 5 times fast).
We’re grateful for you!
Jess + Team Valeo
PS – If you are looking for more healthy Holiday recipe options, be sure to check out our FREE eBook “HEALTHY & DELICIOUS HOLIDAY DRINKS.” ( <— click link). It’s our gift to you for being a faithful reader of our Exercise | Nutrition | Mindset tips each week.
And if you want to join a gym in 2020 that is known for Accountability, Expertise and Endless High Fives, check us out. We’re offering the first 5 men and first 5 women who book their free Strategy Session to explore more about Valeo $100 OFF their first month. Heck yes.
Here’s that link to book your Strategy Session. ==> https://valeotraining.com/holiday
(No fitness or strength training experience required…in fact, most of our members start out as gym newbies). Hurry, offer expires December 31! ==> https://valeotraining.com/holiday
Talk soon!