Low-Carb Recipe: Stevia Cranberry Relish

It's hard to believe it's already time to start planning the Thanksgiving meal! If you're trying to watch your carbs, Thanksgiving can be a challenging holiday - with all those mashed potatoes, rolls, pies, etc. While you don't have to give up all your holiday favorites, by cutting the carbs in some areas, you will be able to enjoy a healthier Thanksgiving meal without sacrificing your traditions.

Here is a good example of a delicious low-carb twist on that classic Thanksgiving requirement: cranberry sauce. Rather than loading your cranberries up with sugar, try this recipe - sweetened with the stevia herb, instead.

Please note that some stevia blends are mixed with sugar or artificial sweeteners, so pay attention to the ingredients, and avoid any that have artificial ingredients or more sugar than stevia. Also, stevia is actually much sweeter than sugar, so start with a small amount of sweetener, and add more to taste as desired.

Stevia Cranberry Relish

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Stevia Blend (add more to taste - making sure it is fully dissolved before adding more)
1 cup Dark Rum
1 lemon, zested
4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 Cup chopped walnuts (or other favorite nuts)

Directions:

• Put Stevia Blend and Rum into a big saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.
• Add the lemon zest and cranberries, stirring, and bring back up to a boil, then quickly turn the heat down to low to bring it down to a simmer.
• Cover loosely and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring several times during the cooking process.
• Mixture should be cooked down a bit; not too thin.
• Stir in the nuts, mix, and continue cooking on low for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let cool, then refrigerate.
• Serve cold as a side with turkey, pork, or chicken.
• You can play with this recipe if you want, substituting other sweeteners or the rum with other ingredients.  If you eliminate the rum, just use 1 cup of another liquid, such as orange juice or even water.