Cranberry

Cranberry is the ideal fruit to take us through the winter solstice. The little red berries are renowned for their powerful antioxidant properties and their high phenol content can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer stroke and heart diseases.

Many nutrients are found within cranberries. The amount of vitamin c found within one cup of raw cranberries is about one fourth of the current recommended dietary allowance for an adult. In addition it contains other nutrients notably vitamin A and potassium.

Cranberries are a versatile fruit most commonly made in to a sauce or a jelly and fresh juice. However it can be used to make bread or a healthy salad.

Molded Cranberry Salad

3 cups fresh cranberries, sorted, washed and drained.
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 envelopes unflavoured gelatine
2 cups orange juice
1 cup diced celery
½ cup raisins
1 cup apples, peeled and chopped.

Combine cranberries, water and sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes . In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatine in the orange juice, and when the gelatine is softened, add it to the hot cranberry mixture. Cool the mixture. Chill until thickens.

Fold in the celery, carrots, raisins and apples. Pour the mixture into a 6-cup ring mold that has been sprayed with baking spray. Chill until the salad is firm.

Invert on a serving dish and garnish.

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