The Best Fast and Healthy Holiday Recipe!

I love Christmas!  I love the traditions and all the people… I love that even people that are grumpy most of the year might smile if you extend a hand to help them.  The meaning of Christmas is so precious to me and I remember how much I have been forgiven for and how much I want to give that love and forgiveness to others.  With all the upside also comes the very serious temptation to overindulge in many comforting and delicious family traditions. 

The problem is we continue to overindulge throughout the holidays, which ends up lasting almost 3 months by the way… then it takes another 2 months to get back on a regular schedule of eating right and exercising… then we realize that we have collected a few extra pounds that do not want to go away and a head full of guilt toward our decisions.  This is a rollercoaster that too many people are riding.  I got off the rollercoaster years ago and am here to tell you it is possible to eat fast and healthy foods that will help you keep your health and release those extra pounds.  So I am here to share with you the best fast and healthy holiday recipe.  I hope you will choose to be empowered this holiday season and get around like minded people that want to make this holiday season fun, delicious and also healthy.  Enjoying your food without guilt is a huge blessing…  We love to support likeminded people on this journey of health.

The best fast and healthy holiday recipe…

Cranberry, Apple, Pear and Walnut Sauce

Makes 8 Servings

What You'll Need:

3/4 cup fresh orange juice (approx 2 oranges)
2 tbsp agave nectar
2 cups organic Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (approx 2 apples)
1 organic pear, diced
1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
Less than 1/8 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
12 oz fresh cranberries
1 tbsp grated orange rind
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup raw, unsalted walnuts, coarsely chopped

Instructions:

1. Combine orange juice, water, agave nectar, and cinnamon stick in a large saucepan; bring to a boil.  Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add in apples, pear, ginger, red pepper, and cranberries; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.
3. Remove from heat; stir in orange rind.  Allow to cool before adding walnuts.  Remove cinnamon stick before serving.

Chef's Tips:

• You may use frozen cranberries if fresh cranberries are not available.
• This sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

For more delicious and Healthy Holiday Recipes, visit The Healthy Edge Facebook page and click on FREE Holiday Recipe Book!

Cranberry and Blackberry Sauce

Are you looking for something new and exciting to share with your family and friends this holiday season?  We have just the thing that will WOW your guests!  This sauce is delicious served over turkey, chicken or white fish!  Or, try it as a side dish over rice or quinoa!  Want to add a little “kick” and spice things up a bit?  Try adding a diced up jalapeno pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper (see tips). 

We hope you enjoy this sauce and the wonderful holiday season with your family!

Cranberry and Blackberry Sauce

Serves 4-6

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 small sweet onion, finely chopped

1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated

1 cup fresh orange juice

½ cup honey

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (unsweetened)

2 tsp orange zest, chopped

1/8 tsp sea salt

1/8 tsp cracked black pepper

2 cups fresh or frozen organic blackberries

2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion to pan and sauté until onions begin to soften (approximately 4-6 minutes). Add ginger and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes.
2. Pour in orange juice and honey to mixture before adding cranberries. Increase heat slightly as cranberries begin to pop and break apart. Bring mixture to a boil. Continue to cook; stirring frequently until mixture thickens.
3. Reduce heat to low. Add orange zest, salt, and black pepper and fold in blackberries along with parsley (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Chef’s Tips

• If using frozen cranberries and/or blackberries, allow to thaw before using.
• For an additional kick, add one jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and diced along with ginger in step #1 or 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper along with salt and black pepper in step #3.
• Remember, if you have a gluten or wheat allergy; be sure that all canned and packaged products are manufactured in a gluten-

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bake

Do you ever get tired of eating the SAME thing for breakfast day after day?  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my oatmeal, eggs and smoothies, but sometimes I crave something different.  With the winter months approaching, it is a definite plus so introducing a new breakfast option that warms the belly! While searching for something to satisfy my craving for a change, I came across a recipe for Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bake.  Now I have experimented with Quinoa for breakfast before with a Breakfast Quinoa Bowl, and had much success.  So when I found this easy bake that can be prepared on a Sunday evening, and enjoyed all week long, I had to try it.

The house smelled delicious as it cooked and I couldn’t help but have a taste rather than wait for the morning.  I must warn you, that straight out of the oven, it was pretty crumbly, but wow was it delicious! The morning after I rushed the kids out the door to the awaiting school bus, I cut myself a nice piece of this delicious breakfast bake, warmed it up in the microwave for a few seconds and that’s it…instant breakfast!

This would be an amazing breakfast to serve to family or friends that join your for holiday festivities! Prepared the night before, it can be a welcoming aroma when guests arrive and a delicious treat to enjoy with your  loved ones!  Enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bake

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp ground cloves

2-3 apples, peeled, diced

½ cup raisins

2 eggs

2 cups milk of choice

¼ cup maple syrup or honey

1/3 cup almonds, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 7 x 11 inch baking dish with coconut oil.
2. In a small bowl, mix the uncooked quinoa with the spices.  Pour into greased dish.
3. Sprinkle the apple and raisins on top of the quinoa.
4. In that same small bowl, beat the eggs.  Whisk in the milk and maple syrup.
5. Pour the egg-and-milk mixture over the top of the fruit and quinoa.  Lightly stir to partially submerge the fruit.  Sprinkle the chopped almonds on top.
6. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the casserole is mostly set with only a small amount of liquid left.
7. Allow to cool, and then cover and refrigerate.  In the morning, cut a square and warm up using the microwave.  Try serving with a few dollops of Greek yogurt for an added treat!

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