Cranberry Sauce with Apricots and Raisins

Fresh Cranberries for Cranberry Sauce

Looking for a twist to the typical Christmas Recipe? Try this easy to prepare cranberry sauce which has apricots, raising and orange juice. It's one of my favourites!

4 cups whole cranberries
2 cups sugar
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup water
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange peel
Combine all ingredients in a medium sized saucepan.  Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves.  Increase heat and boil until cranberries pop, stirring about 10 minutes.  Cool, cover and refrigerate.  Can be made 4 days ahead.

Wish to be more traditional?  Here is a traditional Cranberry Sauce recipe.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Do you own the perfect water bottle?  

I’m always impressed by many people come to my classes with their beloved water bottles and sit them proudly on the table like a beacon of health. 

The bottles come in all shapes, styles and colours. Some are stainless steel with wide rims and others are coloured with drinking spouts that pull up. They are multi-coloured and round. And some can even hold a whole day’s worth of  water…these always impress me. 

There are even some with a separate container in the bottom for lemon or cucumber slices if you don’t like drinking plain water.  

I’m jealous of all these water-carrying devotees because I too have a perfect water bottle. I fill it up regularly with water from the Britta water jug in the fridge but always manage to leave it behind on the kitchen counter at home when I go out. It’s why I often don’t drink my recommended eight glasses of water a day.  

As we head into the holiday season it’s wise to locate your favourite water bottle and carry it with you everywhere you go (note to self).  

There are many good reasons why we should drink water over the festive season. 

First and most important, water fills us up which stops us from overeating and drinking too much.  

A delicious Christmas dinner along with a few glasses of Christmas cheer can easily add up to a whole day’s worth of calories. A glass of water in between nibbles and wine will mean less time in the gym after Christmas trying to lose that Christmas bulge. 

Your body will thank you as well. We need to replenish the water we lose each day to stay hydrated. 

About 60% of our body weight is made up of water. Every system in our body relies on it. 

It’s recommended we drink 8 cups of water a day. We should aim to drink 1.5 litres of water a day, roughly about 6 cups plus other beverages, such as milk, juice and even coffee or tea. If you are active, have health concerns or live in a dry climate, your numbers will rise (sorry about that!).

So this Christmas season, remember to drink water.  

I suggest putting a big orange sticky note on the front door to remind you to take your water bottle with you when you leave the house. Then go and enjoy your xmas treats.

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas is all about Christmas Baking. How many of you have great memories of buttery shortbread, mince tarts, Christmas cake, or gingerbread men cookies? 

It takes time to bake but think of all the joy and memories you create with your efforts. 

Here is a simple recipe to get you started.

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies

...just like Grandma's 

Makes 2 dozen

2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk

Icing:
2 cups icing sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-3 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in one bowl. In a separate large bowl cream butter with a mix master. Add in sugar, egg, vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in flour mixture. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

Place dough on lightly floured surface and roll to 1/8th inch thickness. Lightly dust rolling pin to avoid sticking. Cut dough out with cookie cutters. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 6 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned around edges.

For Icing: In a medium bowl, combine icing sugar, vanilla and enough milk to make a spreading consistency. When cookies are cool thinly spread icing on top and decorate with sprinkles if using.

Other Christmas Baking To Try:

Shortbread Cookies 

Coconut Jam Cookies