Cranberries, any one? Dried? NOPE, I mean fresh cranberries. Why fresh cranberries? Because fresh cranberries contain no added sugar, and I love the sharp tartness in them! Also, fresh cranberries are only available during this time of the year. Last year (in early November), I remember I was trying to make a dish that called for some fresh cranberries, but I was being told “it is too early for fresh cranberries” at the store. I was so disappointed at that time, and I had to modify my recipe (at the very last minute) by using canned cranberry sauce, instead.
Fresh cranberries contain excellent sources of vitamin C and phytonutrients. Also, they are rich in manganese and fiber (Wood, 2017). The most common antioxidant in cranberries that we know for health benefits, is proanthocyanidins, which may help in preventing us from urinary tract infection (Brown-Riggs, 2021).
Fresh cranberries are very versatile. They are not just great in desserts, we can also incorporate them in many savory dishes. You have got to try these DELICIOUS fresh cranberry recipes that I am going to share with you.
Bakery-style Cranberry Orange Scones: orange and cranberry surprisingly pair very well! If you are not a big fan of fresh cranberries, these scones will definitely change your mind. These scones are WAYYY better than store-bought scones. We can have them throughout the day! Breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, whenever you preferred. The recipe is inspired by Baker by Nature.
Bakery-style Cranberry Orange Muffins: Looking for sweet muffins for a Christmas treat? These muffins are yours to have! I love how refreshing and flavorful they are! You have gotta try this recipe! The recipe is adapted from Baker by Nature.
Cranberry Pecan Cake: Fresh cranberry coffee cake for breakfast? I love introducing this recipe to you! It is a super tender and buttery cake that is topped with a cinnamon pecan crumble. This cake is not just delicious, it is also super easy to make! The recipe is inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Cranberries: I am always up for trying new salad recipes. And this kale salad with honey roasted chickpeas and cranberries is one thing I am trying this month. I enjoy every bite of the salad, and will definitely make it again. For this holiday season, I highly recommend you to try this salad! The recipe is inspired by Peas and Crayons.
Chipotle Quinoa Sweet Potato Tacos with Roasted Cranberry Pomegranate Salsa: I cannot stop thinking about these tacos after having the first bite! These tacos are definitely a flavor-bomb!!! Also, these finger-licking tacos are vegetarian friendly. The recipe is adapted from Half-baked Harvest.
Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon with Sweet Cranberry Chutney and Roasted Potatoes: Are you tired of cooking for the holiday? This salmon dish works very well for you! The cranberry chutney is definitely a MUST, do not try to skip it. One suggestion for you about the recipe is try not to over-salt your roasted potatoes. The recipe is adapted from Half-baked Harvest.
Gingery Steak Brie Sliders with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce: The main ingredients for this recipe are featuring holiday Brie, fresh cranberries, and ginger. Now, we are putting all of them in a small tiny slider bun! Cool idea? That is a big YES! Although I do not eat meat, I still want you to try this slider recipe! The recipe is inspired from Half-baked Harvest.
Skillet Cranberry Roasted Chicken and Potatoes: Looking for an easy comfort dinner recipe that everyone loves? This one skillet chicken recipe is the ONE for you to try. The recipe is adapted from Half-baked Harvest.
*Most ingredients used for the recipe sponsored by DRH Health Food and Nutrition Department
References
Brown-Riggs, C. (2021). Cranberry products & UTI. Today Dietitian, 23 (4), 42. Retrieved from https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0421p42.shtml
Wood, A. (2017). Time to indulge in cranberries. Food & Nutrition. Retrieved from https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/stone-soup/time-indulge-cranberries/