There are some sides that you just make over and over again. This is one of them. At only 50 calories per serving, this also makes a great snack. And it is soooo good for you !

Fresh Cranberry Relish

8 servings
50 calories per 1/2 c serving

Forget Ocean Spray jellied cranberries around the holidays! Instead try this fresh salad that is simple to prepare and a great crowd pleaser.

1 bag cranberries
3/4 c Splenda
2 granny smith apples, cored and in quarters
1 seedless oranges (peel and all !), in quarters

Rinse the cranberries and pick out any bad ones. Place in a food processor and process until they are in small pieces. Remove to a bowl. Place apples in processor and blend until small pieces. Remove to bowl with cranberries. Place oranges in processor and process until all skin is in small pieces. Remove to bowl with cranberries and apples. Add Splenda and mix well. Refrigerate at least 4 hours so flavors blend.

You either love scones or hate them – I am a lover This is a great recipe that turns out a delicious fruit and nut scone. The cranberries are just sweet enough without making these too, too sweet. And the pistachios are a nice change from the typical walnuts or pecans found in baked goods.

Cranberry Nut Scones

14 servings
187 calories per serving

3 c flour
1 1/2 t cream of tartar
3/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 T orange zest
6 T butter
1/3 c Splenda
3/4 c skim milk
1/2 c dried cranberries
1/2 c chopped pistachios (no salt)
Pam
Some extra water if dough is too dry.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with Pam. Combine flour, tartar, baking soda, salt and zest in a large bowl and cut in butter with a pastry blender ( a hand held tool available at all kitchen goods stores) or pulse in a food processor.

Once crumbly, add Splenda and milk and stir just until moistened. Add cranberries and nuts and pat dough to a 3/4 inch thick circle on a lightly floured surface. If dough is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water but not too much – this is a very dry dough. Use a 2 1/2 round biscuit cutter to make scones (or any other shape – just adjust calories accordingly). Place on baking sheet and cook 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Fresh fruit, tons of antioxidants, low cal – this is the perfect sweet side dish. Serve with fish, chicken, next to a sandwich, as a snack….just eat it up before your kid eats the whole bowl on you !!

Pom Cranberry Relish

8 servings
70 calories per 1/2 c serving

The addition of Pom juice to an already incredibly fresh cranberry relish … I’d call it a stroke of genius. You have to try it to believe how good it is !!

1 bag cranberries
3/4 c Splenda
1 granny smith apple, cored and in quarters
1 seedless oranges (peel and all !), in quarters
8 oz. Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice

Rinse the cranberries and pick out any bad ones. Place in a food processor and process until they are in small pieces. Remove to a bowl. Place apples in processor and blend until small pieces. Remove to bowl with cranberries. Place oranges in processor and process until all skin is in small pieces. Remove to bowl with cranberries and apples. Add Splenda and juice and mix well. Refrigerate at least 4 hours so flavors blend.