Simply Sugarless: Cranberry Sauce

Welcome to our second installment of Simply Sugarless, a new column written by Starr Struck's own Sara Meeks!

I hope this recipe is a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal; why not make it a little bit healthier, if possible? You can scroll down to the bottom of the post to learn more about Sara + the inspiration behind this column...

Take it away, Sara!

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I’ve been on a quest for a sugar-free cranberry sauce for quite some time.

Cranberries are tough because they are so tart that they almost need the sugar to balance out the flavors. But notice that I said “almost;" I finally created one (I combined several recipes to come up with this completely original one!) that stands alone without sugar. The added fruit and fruit juices balance out the cranberries perfectly.

Can you tell I’m excited about this one?

​Enjoy!

Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 6-10

​Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple (used for 1/2 cup juice and 1 cup pineapple)

Directions:

• In a medium saucepan at medium heat, add the orange juice and 1/2 cup pineapple juice. Once it starts bubbling, add the cranberries.
• Let the cranberries bubble and pop for about 10 minutes, until the cranberries break down and start to thicken.
• Add the 1 cup crushed pineapple and stir to combine. Let cook for 3 more minutes or until you reach desired consistency.

MEET SIMPLY SUGARLESS:

Each month, I’ll be scouring the internet and my own personal recipe box for simple, sugarfree recipes that you can make without a bunch of exotic (and expensive) ingredients. I’m not suggesting that all the recipes will be super healthy (we’re still talking about baked goods and sweets, people), but I promise the recipes highlighted will be *healthier* versions of delicious treats, yummy snacks, and long-time favorite eats.

My goal here is to completely avoid refined white sugar and/or any of the artificial sweeteners that are usually present in sugar-free recipes. I’m also going to try my very hardest not to use any super-sugary syrup substitutes like honey and agave  (although maple syrup and molasses might make a cameo every now and then because they have a few more beneficial qualities in the form of vitamins + minerals). 

And one final note: you’ll notice that the recipe is listed right at the top of this post. Does it drive anyone else crazy when you have to scroll down forever to reach the actual recipe on most websites? Hope this intentional formatting makes your life just a bit easier ;) 

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​MEET SARA:

​My interest in finding sugarfree recipes stems from my quest to find healthier snack options for my sons (3.5 and 1.5 years).

As it turns out (spoiler alert!) sugar is in everything. I started substituting different ingredients for sugar and have realized that a lot of times I don’t miss it at all.

When I’m not dreaming up or testing new yummy recipes, I love spending my time with my husband and our boys, crafting, practicing yoga, reading, and taking photographs.

​If you’re interested in learning a little more about me, here’s the introduction Mary Catherine wrote up when I joined the Starr Stuck team and here’s my little one-photo-a-day blog that journals the daily adventures of living with little ones in Washington, D.C.

Thanks so much, Sara, and happy Thanksgiving week, everyone!