By Rosie Moore

 

Cranberries are one of the healthiest foods in the world. They contain no grams of saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, or mon-unsaturated fat, no cholesterol, only 2 grams of sodium and 12 grams of carbohydrates. They are cultivated throughout North America, Canada, and Chile. They are a low-creeping shrub found in bogs. The fruit starts out light green then gradually turns red when ripe. They are processed into juice, sauce, jam, and sweetened dried cranberries, and they always accompany Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Here is a delicious cranberry recipe:

 

Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe

 

Ingredients:

3 eggs

2 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. all-purpose flour

12 oz. fresh cranberries

 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. With a mixer, beat the eggs with the sugar until slightly thickened and light in color. about 5-7 min. The mixture should almost double in size. The eggs work as your leavening agent in this recipe, so do not skip this step.
  3. The sugar and egg should form a ribbon when you lift the beaters out of the bowl.
  4. Add the butter and vanilla, mix two more min. Stir in flour until just combined.
  5. Add the cranberries and stir to mix throughout.
  6. Spread in a buttered 9×13 pan.
  7. Bake 40-50 min., or until very lightly browned and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. (usually 43 min.) Let cool completely before cutting into small slices.

 

 

Poinsettias

The poinsettia derives its common English name from Joel Robert Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the United States in 1825. Aztecs used the plant  as a red dye and also medication. The plant’s association with Christmas is said to begin in the 16th century in Mexico where legend tells us of a girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. She was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church alter. Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds and became poinsettias. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem and the red color represents the blood sacrifice through the crucifixion of Jesus.

It’s hard to discern between fact and fiction but these legends continue to carry on through the years. Green Christmas trees and red poinsettias are synonymous with this season and help to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.

Thought for the day: “We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

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