Healthy Thanksgiving Alternatives: Fresh, Quick and Easy Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

For so many busy, working families, this time of year is the only opportunity for relatives to gather in one place, relax and give thanks for the blessings of the past year and for those yet to come.

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Patch will feature healthy alternatives to serve on the holiday.

Check out today's pick for the tastiest and healthiest Thanksgiving recipe alternatives to help you save on the extra holiday pounds without cutting back on flavor.

Recipe #3

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce recipes. Ah, the delicious tart taste it adds to your turkey, your biscuits and your stuffing. What else screams Thanksgiving like this dish? Try this easy, homemade recipe that may forever change the way you look at cranberries.

Yes, the recipe calls for sugar, but it’s still only half the amount you would get in the canned version and with no artificial flavoring or preservatives. This quick and easy cranberry sauce is ready to serve in just 15 minutes and keeps for three days.

Serves 8

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups water

1/2 cup sugar

4 Tbsp sweet orange marmalade

1/2 tsp maple extract

1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine one cup of cranberries and water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer cranberries until they pop and begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove pan from the heat. Stir in sugar and orange marmalade. Let mixture cool.

Stir in maple extract and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate. Can be made 3 days ahead, kept covered and chilled.

Recipe provided by St. Francis Medical Center