"Eat A Cranberry Day" Plus A Recipe Called "Cranberry Sauce With Walnuts"

Thanksgiving is one week away and everyone is planning their meals for “turkey day.” My thoughts go to cranberries. In doing some research on cranberries, I just learned, that every November 23rd there is a holiday that is called “National Eat a Cranberry Day! “ If you really think about it, the month of November is when we eat the most cranberries, since it is a Thanksgiving tradition. Eat a Cranberry Day, was started to encourage everyone to take part in enjoying these little berries. There are no formal proclamations for this day, but it is still described as a “National” day.  Join me, as we have some fun and find out about cranberries.

Cranberry sales in the United States have traditionally been associated with the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. In certain American states and Canadian provinces, cranberries are their major crop. Cranberries are made into many products such as juice, wine; cranberry sauce, jam, dried sweetened berries, and some are sold fresh to customers. Wisconsin is the leading producer of cranberries, with Massachusetts following as the second largest U.S. producer. A very small production is found in southern Argentina, Chile, the Netherlands, and Eastern Europe.

Cranberries are considered to be sour and bitter if eaten plain or raw. Cranberry juice is a major use of cranberries, but the berry is also used in baking muffins, scones, cakes, and Biscotti. They also can be added to soups and stews which adds tartness to them. Fresh cranberries can be frozen, and will keep up to nine months. You can use them directly in recipes without thawing.

Paul, my son in 1986

As we eat cranberries we are reminded that they are healthy and good for you. Their health benefits include nutrients and antioxidant qualities, giving them the name of a “super fruit”. Other health benefits help the cardiovascular system, immune system, fights off tooth decay, and acts as an anti-cancer agent. Cranberry juice contains a chemical component that helps fight against formation of kidney stones. So, make sure you eat or drink something with cranberries, it will keep you healthy.

I remember when my son was young, and it was Christmas time, we would use cranberries to string on the tree and use as a garland. We would thread each berry through a needle on the string. Sometimes we would put popcorn in-between the cranberries. But most of the time, there would be more cranberries than popcorn, as my son would eat more than he would string. We then would place the garland on the tree and admire our work. It was a fun activity which I will always remember. Then after Christmas, I would place the garland of berries and popcorn outside in the yard, so the birds and little animals could have a wonderful Christmas too.

I have two recipes this week for you to enjoy. “Cranberry Sauce with Walnuts“, is really easy. You will be the most popular person at your Thanksgiving dinner when you place this on your table. Between the tartness, sweetness, and crunch of the walnuts, this will be a wonderful dish to add to your turkey dinner. The second recipe is called “Cran-Limoncello,” a drink that will enhance your holiday party. 

Cranberry Sauce with Walnuts
Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 35 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries 
1/2 cup of apricot preserves
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, toasted

Directions:
In a large saucepan over medium heat bring sugar and water to a boil. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir in the cranberries. Cook until berries pop, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in preserves and lemon juice. Transfer to a bowl. Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled. Stir in walnuts just before serving.
Yield: 3 1/2 cups.
Serves: 14

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Cran-Limoncello
Adapted from, “Every Day with Rachael Ray” 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of seltzer
1/4 cup of Limoncello
2 tablespoons unsweetened cranberry juice
Ice cubes or crushed ice
One small strip of lemon peel, for garnish
3-4 cranberries, for garnish

Directions:
Stir together the seltzer, Limoncello and cranberry juice. Pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with the lemon peel. Serves: 1 glass

Till Next Time……..

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