SPICED CRANBERRY SAUCE WITH CHARDONNAY AND ORANGE ZEST

Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Chardonnay & Orange Zest (serves 8-10)

• 10 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup dry chardonnay
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

In a small pot, combine cranberries, chardonnay, sugar, zest, ginger and nutmeg, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Using a potato masher or whisk, mash sauce until most of the cranberries pop. Cook, uncovered, until thickened, about 15 minutes more. Serve hot or room temperature.

Courtesy of wholefoodsmarket.com

SAVORY CHEESE, CRANBERRY AND HERB MINI MUFFINS

Savory Cheese, Cranberry & Herb Mini Muffins (makes 30-26)

• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Generous pinch of cayenne
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup low-fat milk

Preheat oven to 400°F. 

In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add green onions, thyme, oregano and sage. Cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. 

In a mixing bowl, combine both flours with baking powder, salt and cayenne. Stir in the cranberries and cheese. Set aside. In a second bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Add green onion mixture, including all of the oil, and whisk well.

Fold the flour mixture into the egg and milk mixture, mixing until just combined. Scoop batter into lightly greased mini-muffin tins. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before taking muffins out of the tin. Serve warm.

Courtesy of wholefoodsmarket.com