44 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • AUGUST 1, 2019 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
health
7 unexpected ways to use cranberries this summer
When the temps heat up, home
cooks look for lighter, more refreshing
food and drinks that still pack a
nutritional punch. America’s Original
Superfruit(R), the cranberry, is just the
thing - a tangy fruit that adds fl avorful
zing to sweet and savory recipes.
Available dried, frozen, as juice or
sauce, cranberries are a good source of
Vitamin C and have fi ber and unique
antioxidants as well. Off ering big health
benefi ts in a little package, cranberries
are full of unique polyphenols not
commonly found in other fruits. You
can enjoy their wonderful, robust fl avor
while boosting your health.
Here are some great ideas for hosting
an #AllAmeriCRAN cranberry summer
BBQ.
1. Quench your thirst
Cranberry juice makes a delightfully
refreshing drink on its own or mixed
with sparkling water and served on
ice. For those who enjoy adult beverages,
make a statement at your party
with a festive, colorful pitcher of sangria
served with fruit. Add cranberry
juice to red wine for a zesty, delicious
21+ punch, with orange juice, orange
slices and a little extra liquor like brandy
or rum.
2. Keep your cool
Cranberry juice boosts the fl avor of a
fruit smoothie with its sweet and tart fl avor.
Combine with fruits, such as bananas
or strawberries, and your favorite milk
or yogurt, adding a little honey or agave
if desired. Blend with crushed ice for a
healthful, delicious smoothie for breakfast
or any time you need a quick pick-me-up.
Th e kids will love it. In preparation for
extra hot days, make cranberry juice ice
cubes or ice pops in your freezer.
3. Fire up the barbecue
A sure-fi re hit is to combine cranberry
sauce with mustard, vinegar and brown
sugar to create a mouth-watering barbecue
sauce for all your summer grilling.
You’ll have your guests trying to guess the
secret ingredient providing delicious tang.
4. Satisfy your sweet tooth
For a refreshing summer treat, create a
cranberry parfait in a pretty glass by alternating
layers of refreshing ingredients.
Get creative and start with a base like
crushed cookies, vanilla wafers or graham
crackers (reserving some for the topping),
then alternate layers of whipped cream,
vanilla pudding or your favorite yogurt
with jellied or whole berry cranberry
sauce. Add a layer or two of fresh blueberries
or strawberries for a red, white and
blue dessert. Make it family-sized, or create
individual parfaits to off er your guests
a personal treat.
5. Have a cranberry party
Th e robust cranberry can handle some
heat, so create a zesty salsa for your next
party. Combine thawed, chopped frozen
cranberries with Mexican fl avors such
as jalapeno, green onions, lime juice and
cilantro to create a unique salsa. Season
with salt and sugar to taste.
6. Add zing to your snacks
Combine dried cranberries with nuts
and seeds to make trail mix for your barbecue
that all your guests will love to
munch while you prepare the entrée.
Add toasted coconut fl akes or chocolate
chips for a dose of sweetness.
7. Spruce up your salads
Adding dried cranberries gives any veggie
or fruit salad an extra pop of fl avor.
Th is whole grain salad recipe from the
Cranberry Marketing Committee shows
one great way to use cranberries in a
colorful summer dish.
Cranberry and Cilantro Quinoa Salad
• 2 cups water
• Pinch salt
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup sweetened, dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup minced carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper
• 3 tablespoons fi nely chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch ground red pepper
In a small saucepan, bring water and
pinch of salt to a boil over high heat. Stir
in quinoa, reduce heat and bring to a low
simmer. Cover and cook until all liquid is
absorbed (about 13 minutes).
Remove from heat and transfer to a
medium bowl. Cool to room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
To the bowl of quinoa, stir in cranberries,
carrots, peppers, onion and cilantro
until mixed.
In a small bowl, mix together lime juice,
oil, salt and ground red pepper and pour
over quinoa-cranberry mixture; toss to
coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least
2 hours before serving. Does not have to
be served cold.
Can’t get enough cranberries? Check
out uscranberries.com for more great recipes.
Courtesy BPT
/WWW.QNS.COM
/uscranberries.com
