Cranberry Pear Sauce: A Holiday Favorite

Cranberry sauce is often the neglected condiment served on Thanksgiving, yet it completes almost every holiday table. Our version of this versatile sauce is naturally sweetened and healthier than anything you can buy in a can! This delicious Cranberry Pear Sauce recipe is made simply with fresh cranberries and pears, syrup and spices–no need to add white sugar or high fructose ingredients. So nutritious and easy to make, our festive sauce adds a necessary burst of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant colors to an otherwise beige feast. This homemade Cranberry Pear Sauce may just be your new favorite part of the entire Thanksgiving meal!

Nutrient Booster: Cranberries

Cranberries are a rich source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, E, and K1, and manganese and copper. In fact, this fruit has nutritional attributes that can benefit nearly every area of the body. Consuming foods that are high in antioxidants, such as cranberries, can help reduce the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Elevated levels of oxidative stress in the body may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other forms of cardiovascular disease. Research also shows that cranberries also have anti-inflammatory properties. Since atherosclerosis is a form of inflammatory disease, researchers believe that cranberries may help reduce inflammation. Consuming these little red berries as part of a healthy diet proves that they are one of those plant-based foods with as many health benefits as there are ways to use them in your favorite recipes.

Perfect Pairs

Our Cranberry Pear Sauce is so much more than an obligatory side to your Thanksgiving meal. This recipe offers healthy goodness beyond the holiday dinner and can be enjoyed all year-round. We love making a double batch of this sauce to use as a glaze for poultry or meat, as a sandwich spread, or as an addition to your favorite salad dressing. For an additional boost of nutrition, try adding our Cranberry Pear Sauce on top of cottage cheese, yogurt, ice cream and in smoothies.

Cranberry Pear Sauce

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 medium pears, peeled and diced
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sorghum syrup, or maple syrup
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan combine cranberries, pears, water, sorghum syrup, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cranberries have popped and sauce is slightly thickened. Stir several times to prevent sticking. 
  • Place the mixture into a blender, food processor, or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Nutrient Analysis:
Serving: 1/4 cup, Calories: 55 calories, Fat: 0 grams, Saturated fat: 0 grams, Carbohydrates: 14 grams, Sugar: 9 grams, Sodium: 1.5 grams, Fiber: 3 grams, Protein: 0 grams, Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
 
Disclosure: Triad to Wellness has provided nutrition communication services to The Sorghum Checkoff. 
However, we were not compensated for this post. All opinions are our own.