Birthday Crisp

I know most people celebrate birthdays with cake...but after cupcakes twice this week I needed to make something different. Luckily Caroline was up for a birthday apple cranberry crisp!


I found this recipe on weightwatchers.com and liked the contrast between the baked apples and the craisins. It was slightly tart, slightly sweet, and definitely party-worthy.

Apple Cranberry Crisp
serves 6
5 points each

4 apples, peeled and slices
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup uncooked oatmeal
2 tablespoons unpacked brown sugar
2 tablespoons reduced calorie margarine
1 tsp cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, and sugar. Toss to coat. Place in the bottom of a 9" pie plate. Sprinkle with dried cranberries.
In a medium bowl mix oatmeal, brown sugar, margarine and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apple mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes. 3/4 cup = one serving.

Garlicky Cranberry Chutney

I had seen my cousin Tracy's recipe for Thanksgiving Garlicky Cranberry Chutney in my family's cookbook. Now, I'm usually okay with a can of cranberries for my holiday meal. But I am so glad I made this! It's sweet, tangy, with just a little zip - perfect for any holiday meal. And it's amazing on leftover turkey sandwiches. Needless to say, I'm excited to make it again for Christmas!

Thanksgiving Garlicky Cranberry Chutney
by Tracy Jones
1 inch fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
4 tablespoons sugar
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 can cranberry sauce (with berries)
1/2 tsp salt
ground black pepper

Cut ginger into paper thin slices. Stack together and cut into thin slivers. Combine ginger, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and cayenne in sauce pan. Simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes or until there is about 4 tablespoons of liquid left. Add cranberries, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Note: This is great to make the day ahead of Thanksgiving because it does NOT smell like part of a delicious thanksgiving turkey dinner. However, it is fantastic with turkey and with leftovers and turkey sandwiches.