Cranberries - Thanksgiving Health

Turns out that the cranberry is not only a great thanksgiving side, it is a great addition to the foods that can improve your health.

Researchers found the cranberry-augmented diet showed fewer potentially negative microbiota changes. It also appeared to limit secondary gut bile acids that have been associated with colon and GI cancer. Overall, the treatment diet suggested cranberries may help support a healthy gut microbiome, researchers said. Identifying foods — like cranberries — that can help shape and support a healthier gut microbiome could have a remarkable impact on public health.

Crust-less Nantucket Cranberry Pie

(Thanks to Linda Vliet)

2 Cups raw cranberries                          ½ cup chopped walnuts

1 ½ cups sugar, divided                        ¾ cup butter, melted

1 cup flour                                            2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp. almond extract                

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for topping

Preheat oven to 375. Grease 10-inch pie plate. Wash and dry cranberries. Place Cranberries and Walnuts in pie plate. Sprinkle ½ cup sugar over nuts and cranberries. Cream butter and 1 cup sugar. Add beaten eggs, flour and almond extract. Mix until blended and pour batter over berries. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes (or until golden brown on top).Top with ice cream or whipped cream.

Serves 8

 Cranberry Orange Relish

( Thanks to Hunt Walker)

• 1 bag fresh cranberries
• 1 whole navel orange, skin included, washed and cut into quarters
• ½ cup shelled pecans (Optional)
• 5/8's cup sugar or ⅓ cup mild honey, such as clover

Place all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse, then blend until you have a uniform, chopped mixture (to the consistency you prefer) with a crunchy texture. Chill until ready to serve. Make ahead as it tastes even better after the flavors combine.