Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Cranberry -- Fruitcake's Little Brother


It's the time of the year when American's thoughts turn to turkey and dressing, football, and how to silence Uncle Ted's snoring after a belt popping feast to hear the score of the aforementioned football game. One of the often overlooked stars of this time of year is the lowly cranberry. The cranberry has become the Christmas fruitcake of Thanksgiving; doomed to circle endlessly around the table until someone has the decency to retire the bowl to a crowded corner of the dinner table. Mom buys it because she feels she must. It sits on the grocery shelves all year awaiting it's shining moment, only to be shunned and cast aside at the last moment like a geek at the prom.

I personally like cranberry sauce, but then again I like fruitcake and liver too. My whole family enjoys a spoonful of cranberry sauce with the Thanksgiving turkey. It wasn't until I attended Thanksgiving dinner with my in-laws that I realized the disdain that exists for this wonderful little berry. My mother-in-law and I are the only ones at the table that eat it -- and eat it we do! My wife Lynda likes fruit sauces with meats, so why not the cranberry with the turkey? I personally think it's because of that gelled mess that comes out in the shape of the can.

The Cranberry Institute and the Wisconsin Cranberry Board have done a wonderful job of marketing their namesake and getting the word out about the boon to human health this little gem truly is. The cranberry is rich in anti-oxidants and consumed in juice form is as heart healthy as a glass of wine. It has been found to reduce the occurrence of bladder infections and is often enriched with calcium for strong bones. So why is it that most people only consume it with a shot of gin or vodka?

I think it's because most consumers only recognize it in the canned form -- ridges and all. I say buy them fresh and you'll notice a world of difference! Truly good cranberry sauce is as easy to make as apple sauce -- yes you CAN make apple sauce! Additions of citrus, cinnamon, and brandy or Cointreau are always welcome to the party and make for some truly great taste sensations. Don't forget to add plenty of sugar; white is good and brown is better. Try your cranberries with some apples or pears or maybe some mango for an island feel and have some with your fruitcake. Mele Kalikimaka! Throw it all in a pot, cover, and bring it to a boil. Reduce it to a simmer and let it go until it's thick. It's that simple.

Just give it a chance, you'll be happy you did. Check out our recipe and feel free to experiment -- you can even add your gin or vodka if that's what it takes!