No-Bake Energy Bites
This cranberry sauce strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet, and it’s far more versatile than just a turkey companion. Try it with pork or beef, spread it on toast instead of jam, swirl it into your morning yogurt bowl, freeze it in ice cube trays for a sparkling seltzer twist, or use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables. There are endless ways to enjoy cranberry sauce!
Beyond its flavor, this sauce adds a nutritious boost to any meal. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, and the secret ingredient, beets, brings even more to the table. They lend their gorgeous color and deliver a longevity boost, earning their title as a Younger You superfood.
True story: red beets will also turn your poop bright red, which can be startling, but a good way to gauge how long it takes for your body to digest and eliminate a meal.
Beets often get a bad rap, but they’re truly lovable, not just for their sweet, earthy flavor, but for their powerful nutrient profile. They’re rich in betaine, an essential methyl donor that supports DNA methylation and epigenetic health. Beets also provide vitamin C (a DNA methylation modulator), fiber, potassium, protein, folate (another methyl donor), and manganese. Together, these nutrients help lower blood pressure, fight inflammation, support detoxification, protect against disease, and slow down biological aging.
While red beets are the most common, golden and other varieties offer their own unique polyphenols and beautiful hues. For the greatest health and flavor benefits, aim to enjoy a rainbow of beets whenever possible.
Get more longevity-boosting festive recipes in our curated Holiday Recipe Collection here.
Whip up a batch of this vibrant cranberry-beet sauce, and let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments—we love hearing your creative twists and favorite pairings!
Contributed by Jess Kovalchik, DC MS CNS LDN CDN | LinkedIn
| Tart-Sweet Cranberry & Beet Longevity Sauce |
Tart-Sweet Cranberry & Beet Longevity Sauce
| Servings | Cook Time |
| 4cups | 30-120mins (depending on cooking method) |
| Servings |
| 4cups |
| Cook Time |
| 30-120mins (depending on cooking method) |
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Maple syrup
- 3 small beets (or 2 large), peeled and diced
- 1 large apple peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup cherry juice
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/3 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Servings: cups
Units:
|
Ingredients
Servings: cups
Units:
|
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker or large pot.
- Cover and cook until most of the cranberries have popped (the house will also begin to smell amazing!). If using slow cooker, set to high and cook for 2-3 hours. If cooking on stovetop, use medium heat and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly, then carefully transfer to a high speed blender* or use an immersion blender* to puree to desired consistency. *Caution: Hot foods & liquids can steam and expand while being blended, which can cause the lid to fly off, creating an injury and burn hazard. To avoid this, ensure the food or liquid is not too hot and blend in batches, filling the blender halfway.
- Taste the sauce and, if too tart, add extra maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Use a sweeter apple variety, such as red delicious or honeycrisp, to offset sourness.
- Sauce will keep in the refrigerator for about 4 days, or make ahead and freeze for up to 6 months.
