Cy-Fair Lifestyles and Homes magazine Nov 2009: Feature - Cranberry Relish with Fresh Buleberries

Treat your family to a fabulous new twist on a classic holiday favorite. Give traditional cranberry relish a taste upgrade and nutrient boost by adding fresh blueberries.

The holidays are a time to be grateful for abundance, and thanks to an almost year around supply of high quality blueberries, you can enjoy this luscious antioxidant-rich berry anytime.

Be sure to make enough relish to transform leftover turkey and ham sandwiches from mundane to marvelous. And while you ’re at it, spoon some relish into pretty glass jelly jars, tie a ribbon around the lids and give them to neighbors and friends as a healthy homemade holiday gift.

Blueberry Fast Facts

•Blueberries contain a natural chemical shown to prevent colon cancer

•A half-cup of blueberries packs fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants into only 40 calories

•Blueberries contain more disease-fighting oxidants than red wine or green tea

•A half-cup of blueberries a day may help improve brain function and help prevent Alzheimer ’s and dementia

•Blueberries are anti-inflammatory

•Blueberries are as effective as cranberries to help guard against urinary tract infections

•Scientific evidence suggests that blueberries may be beneficial for the skin. New skin care treatments include blueberry extracts to help revitalize the skin and hasten healing.

Fresh Blueberry

& Cranberry Relish

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup fresh orange juice

8 oz. fresh cranberries

1 tbsp. orange zest

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the berries soften, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and chill. Best made in advance to let flavors blend. Makes 12 1/4 cup servings.