“Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, a very good source of dietary fiber, and a good source of manganese and vitamin K.”  George Mateljan

What one thing can you do to this holiday season to stay in good health?

My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.  (James 3:12; NIV)

As many of you know, I recently experienced the loss of my Daddy.   The last two weeks have been what many would call surreal.  I’m now home in Virginia attempting to get back into the “swing of things.”  Admittedly life will never be the same.  Those of you who have suffered the loss of a parent, a spouse, a child, or other loved one have a clear understanding of that fact.   But life does go on and so must I.  In time, I may post some of my thoughts about what transpired and how we as a family stood together during that tumultuous time.

Last month I did a couple of crockpot recipes.  We’re now into the Christmas season and thoughts (and taste buds) gravitate toward special holiday dishes.  Today’s recipe originally came from our dear friend, Diane Chandler.  I’ve made a few tweaks to the recipe along with using the crockpot to “steep” the tea and keep it warm for Christmas company.

The recipe is pretty and festive and smells great while heating.  Cranberries and Christmas has such a nice ring to it.  The peak season for the pretty red berry is between October and December.  Don’t give up on the cranberry now that Thanksgiving is behind us.  There are many ways to enjoy it even into the new year.  A cousin of the blueberry, this bright red, tart berry can still be found growing wild as a shrub.  When cultivated, it’s grown on low trailing vines in sandy bogs.

Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Now, recent studies suggest that cranberries may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, and help to prevent the formation of kidney stones.   There are many other benefits being attributed to this little red berry.  When buying cranberries, I’ve noticed that organic berries have much more flavor and color than commercial berries.

When buying cranberry juice, beware of the popular brand of “cocktail.”  Most commercial cranberry juices contain sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup.  If you want to drink cranberry juice to receive health benefits, buy organic, pure cranberry juice in a glass bottle.  Knudsens and Santa Cruz are two acceptable brands.  I’ve also added a small amount of cranberry concentrate in the recipe.  This is also pure cranberry juice without any added sweetener.  The last time I bought this, I bought it from Dynamic Health Laboratories.   Other brands are found in the health food section of the grocery store.  Enjoy your cranberry tea.

Prayer Power
Father we thank You for this season and this time of year to be reminded of the birth of Your Son.  May we seek Your perspective as we walk through these next several weeks.

Link of the Day
Cranberry Tea

Blessings on you as you enjoy some holiday cranberry tea with friends and loved ones.