Cranberry Sauce

There are two foods I normally contribute for our Thanksgiving Day feast. In both cases I do not follow the traditional recipes. One is the result of learning how to make a turkey in a paper grocery bag from a coworker in New Jersey (he shared the recipe over the phone) and the other is the result of just reducing the sugar in the cranberry recipe.

The bag that holds the fresh cranberries suggests far too much sugar. The reality is that cranberries are tart and you should not attempt to cover that up with a huge sugar fix. I cut the sugar in half, and that is more than sufficient to get a good consistency with a nice tart taste. It only takes 30-40 minutes to cook two bags of the cranberries into a nice side for the main course.

Cranberries are also a healthy addition to the Thanksgiving meal. One resource I consulted suggested the following potential benefits: cranberries are rich in antioxidants, can support urinary tract health and heart health, anti-inflammatory effects, digestive health, boosting immune function, blood sugar regulation, weight management, and enhancing oral health. Of course, the sugar in cranberry sauce isn’t really helping in those areas!

Nutritional Content

Cranberries are low in calories yet rich in essential nutrients. A typical serving contains:

  • Calories: Approximately 45 per cup
  • Vitamin C: A significant amount that boosts the immune system
  • Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes satiety
  • Manganese: Important for metabolism and bone health

Ways to Incorporate Cranberries

Fresh: Add to salads, smoothies, or as a garnish.

Dried: A great snack or cereal topping. However, watch for added sugars.

Juice: The best choice is 100% cranberry juice for maximum health benefits.

Sauces and Jams: Use as spreads or cooking sauces.

Thanksgiving Turkey

If you overcook a turkey prepare to be disappointed. The “secret” to my recipe is that I cook the turkey at 325 degrees and check the internal temperature before the full recommended cook time is reached. The other secret is to cook the turkey in a buttered paper grocery bag.

Preparing the bag for the turkey is the messy part. I take three-fourth’s of a stick of butter, melt it on low in the microwave and then use a pastry brush to coat the inside of the bag. The turkey is then inserted into the bag and seasoned with salt and pepper. The remaining butter is poured onto the turkey. The bag can then be sealed with staples, large paper clips, or binder clips.

Once the internal temperature reaches one hundred and eighty degrees the turkey is done to perfection. The meat is moist and delicious. However, before cutting the turkey, let it rest for twenty minutes with the bag open.

Angels Participate in Thanksgiving Too

“And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’” Revelation 7:11-12

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.