Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Antioxidant fruits and veggies must feel like they’ve hit the jackpot when November rolls around. Lauded as helping our bodies defend against free radicals – unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging – antioxidants are the champs of Thanksgiving. Working antioxidant-rich foods into pies, desserts and side dishes is never easier than it is this month.

A Very Antioxidant Holiday

Antioxidants also protect against inflammation, thought to be a leading factor in brain aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases of aging. Wild blueberries have come to be known as the leading antioxidant (they have been found to have more total antioxidant capacity than any other fruit). But cranberries are full of antioxidants as well, with strawberries, raspberries, prunes and blackberries also packing a punch – all are willing stars in the annual holiday showcase.

This year, double up on health by combining an antioxidant leader with a traditional holiday (and antioxidant-rich) fruit with this Cranberry and Wild Blueberry Pie recently featured by Epicurious.com. They offer up  this beauty as being impressive and “professional-looking,” not to mention bubbling over with taste – the perfect thing to be that little something you just whipped up.

Cran-tabulous

Cranberries take the stage at Thanksgiving. Bursting with color and health, they give pies and turkey sandwiches a burst of tart and sweet, and they are perfect for combining with more subtle fruits such as peaches, apples and blueberries. But there’s lots of ways to sneak cranberries onto your table. Try this Cranberry, Balsamic and Mint Relish from Momalicious, for example. It has a multitude of turkey-friendly uses. Or, go crustless with this super-easy Crustless Cranberry Pie from AllRecipes.com.

You’ll soon eschew all can-shaped side dishes in favor of this Chunky Cranberry Sauce from Food & Wine. They also have other fabulous cranberry cooking ideas including Brussels Sprouts & Cranberries (really!) and a Rosé Sangria with Cranberries & Apples you’ll get a kick out of.

Are You Anti-Pie? Maybe You Should Be.

There’s no offense intended to the pie, but at food52.com there’s an effort underway to get outside of the crust. Consider: if you couldn’t serve your standby recipe for pumpkin pie this year (or any crust-enclosed dessert), what on earth would you do? The concept opens up a world of opportunity! Need convincing? Pear Cranberry Upside-Down Cake should do the trick. Check out more of the best non-pie Thanksgiving desserts.

Have a technology-savvy holiday. Ever think this whole cooking thing should be easier? Ifunia agrees — they found the Best Thanksgiving Apps to help you make it through the food frenzy with just a couple of clicks.

Exhausted from cooking? Hostess with the Mostess recommends getting your veggie serving in with a Pumpkin Martini. Does it count? Once a year, absolutely.