Cranberry Apple Oatmeal

It seems like cranberries are only available around the holidays and they only show up as that sugary, creepy solid chunk of sauce that slides out of the can perfectly.  I have to admit, I loved cranberry sauce. I loved the taste and how It balanced out those heavy traditional meals.  Now, I’m afraid to even read the ingredient list on the can. So, canned cranberry sauce may be part of my past but fresh cranberries are definitely part of my current diet. They are tasty, versatile, and the beautiful color compliments almost anything. They're delicious in fresh juice, smoothies, and even oatmeal. So, ditch the creepy canned sauce and add some fresh cranberries to your diet.

And, the health benefits of cranberries are incredible! 

Did you know that cranberries contain one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit? They protect our cells from free-radical damage and have the ability to reduce body-wide inflammation. They boost immunity and prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. Plus, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber.

So, grab some cranberries and get cooking some healthy delicious food!! 

Recipe:

* 1 cup fresh cranberries

* 1/2 cup water

* 3 apples, diced (about 3 cups)

* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1 tablespoon dried cranberries

* 1 cup old fashioned oats

- In a medium saucepan add water, fresh cranberries, apples, and cinnamon. 

- Simmer for 5-10 minutes until apples and cranberries are soft.

- With a potato masher or fork mash up apples and cranberries a bit.

- Add cinnamon, oats, dried cranberries, and cook another 3 minutes. Add additional water if needed

- Divide between 3 bowls and add toppings.

Toppings:

1 apple, diced

Raw sunflower seeds

unsweetened coconut

Cacao Nibs

Cinnamon

Pure maple syrup, optional

Makes enough for 3 bowls