I’ve had this recipe posted for awhile, but I’ve made a few updates and wanted to highlight it again because I just love it!  The flavors and combination of ingredients are so unique, and yet so simple and festive, you can’t help but love it as an addition to any holiday get together.

If your family is only used to the traditional corn casseroles and canned cranberry sauce this time of year, I’d encourage you to rock the boat and take this fun dish to really shake things up!

I like this recipe because it combines my favorites all into one.  Plus, I can make a large batch and continue to enjoy my leftovers for a few days following.  I secretly hope not all of it will be eaten so I have a nice addition to my lunch the next day. 
Selfish?…mmmm just honest.

I’ve also included my method for making homemade cranberries.  Dried cranberries from the store are deceptively full of sugar and vegetable oils. Have you ever tasted a REAL cranberry?  It’s not sweet at all, it’s SOUR!  Several years ago I tried one and thought it was the worst…bitter, tart, yuck.  Now I actually can eat them plain and like them! It’s amazing how your taste buds change when you get excess added sugar out of your diet…you can really appreciate real foods and even crave some of those other tastes besides sweet.

Of course you can use store bought cranberries for this recipe.  I’d encourage you to look for ones at the Health Food Store that are sweetened with juice. 

How to Make your Own Dried Cranberries

This recipe allows you to control how much sweetener is added to the berries. 
I like mine tart with a hint of sweetness.  These also make a great addition to oatmeal, yogurt, and holiday cookies!
 
Health benefits of Cranberries: Not only are they naturally low in sugar, but these little berries pack phytonutrients (anthocyanin and flavinoids) that have anti-cancer properties, as well as the ability to help lower LDL cholesterol.  They also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

1. 1. Purchase 1 or 2 bags of fresh cranberries (organic)
   2. Cut each berry in half (this is the most time intensive part but they must be cut in order for it to work)
   3. Fill a large bowl with warm water and stir in 1/4 cup raw sugar to make a sugar water.  Place the cut berries into the bowl and allow to soak overnight.
   4. Strain water from soaked berries and return to bowl.  Toss the berries with 2 Tbsp. of honey and 1 Tbsp. of Olive Oil.
   5. Dehydration can be done 2 ways:

1. 1. Transfer berries to a baking sheet and spread out in a single layer.  Place in oven at 200 degrees F and bake, stirring occasionally for several hours until the berries reach desired texture.
   2. Place berries in dehydrator at about 120 degrees.  Allow to dehydrate for 6-8 hours until dry but still tender.  Be careful not to over-dry or they will be too chewy.

You may take a look when finished and think, “where’s the berries!”  This is a natural response to dehydration.  Just think, your raisins used to be big juicy grapes, and are now itty bity dried fruits.  This is why I suggest doing as many bags at once as you are able to avoid repeating this process multiple times.

The Finished Product