I read an article recently, publicized by a very popular “media”, which brazenly stated that, “…cranberries were one of the most secretly hated dishes at Thanksgiving…”! Say what???? Well. I certainly beg to differ. I think they deserve a little more respect, don’t you? There are so many ways to use these incredibly healthy berries, that maybe they need to expand their horizons beyond the strangely solidified, molded jelly that jiggles ‘n squiggles out whole….with imprints of rings from the tin can still intact. I’m going to show you three ways to use these fresh, whole, beautiful berries, that will have even the naysayers changing their minds! So, I’ve entered Cape Cod Select Premium Frozen Cranberries Blogger Recipe Challenge and Contest, and I think I’ve come up with three pretty spectacular winners. And the first, and easiest of the three, my Frosty Chocolate Cranberry Frappé, is one that you’re sure to want to make during this holiday season, and enjoy all year round!
~About the Sponsor~
Cape Cod Select is a company located in the heart of cranberry country, southeastern Massachusetts, that provides a premium quality product choosing only the ripest, freshest berries to package, and has been in business since 2009. They also take great care in protecting the environment by using the latest technologies, from flower to berry, to do their share in keeping our planet healthy and thriving. They have four different frozen packaged products to choose from, including Cranberries Plus Blueberry, Cranberries Plus Tropical Bend with Pineapple, Mango & Banana, Cranberries Plus Power Blend with Blueberries, Blackberries & Raspberries, and of course, all Cranberry! They also have fresh berries, as well as really cool gift box crates! (Want!!)
*A quick little, required, FYI disclaimer. Just so you know, I have been sent cranberries by this company to use, but any and all opinions I have, of course as always, are solely my own, and I can tell you this…they are gorgeous!! I am very pleased with them, and happy to be participating in this challenge! I hope that I have created easy to moderate skill level recipes for you to enjoy! So let’s get started! These berries are truly premium!! Just look how gorgeous the colors are! (*And this photo was taken while they were frozen! They’re even more brilliant in color when thawed!) I was quite surprised and pleased when I opened the bag, because product never looks like it does on the package. Well, honestly, these looked even BETTER than the picture. When was the last time that happened?
Firstly, seriously, what’s not to love about these incredibly healthy, ruby red and crimson, superfood berries? Just a few of the health benefits and further studies include preventing and healing urinary tract infections, preventing breast cancer cells from multiplying, lowers bad cholesterol to help fight health issues such as heart disease, prevents kidney stones and other kidney and bladder problems, promotes weight loss, high in antioxidants and vitamin C, improves your immune system, and can even help fight aging and relieve skin conditions. And no worries about eating them raw! ….
From the New York Times: “Once cranberries are processed, beneficial phytochemical compounds are damaged, lessening their benefits to your body. Fresh raw cranberries have higher levels of phytochemicals, specifically phenols, versus their cooked or dried counterparts. Phenols act like antioxidants in your system by neutralizing damaging free radicals. When too many free radicals gather in your system, they attack healthy cells, which increases your risk of cancer and other chronic conditions. The high phytochemical content of raw cranberries helps neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing your risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer.”
Wow. Right??!! I know!! Hail to the cranberry!!
So let’s plug in the blender and make a quick and easy treat that’s whipped up in minutes, to slowly relieve the holiday stress, that could also double as a fabulous dessert! Simply brew a generous shot of espresso and pop into the fridge to chill. You can certainly use the last of the pot of coffee that’s too strong to enjoy by itself for this, too. Or even whip up a shot or two using instant espresso! Gather the rest of the goodies, including those gorgeous frozen cranberries!, three liqueurs, a little milk or cream, a few ice cubes, and some nice quality coffee ice cream! (*If you’d like to make this “virgin”, I have substitutions listed in the recipe below for that).
Toss everything into the blender, give it a whirl, and pour into a tall glass! (I really wanted to drizzle chocolate in the glass first, but totally spaced it). So you can do that if you want a little extra chocolately goodness! I was glad that I didn’t, though. We both loved it just as it was! Then just top with whatever you’d like! I did some whipped cream, grated chocolate, and hung a maraschino cherry and mini candy cane on the rim for extra holiday fun! Hanging an extra scoop of ice cream on there too is also a nice touch, but deck it out however you’d like! (But who doesn’t like an extra scoop of ice cream? Sometimes we just deserve it. 😉 )
I hope you enjoy my entry in the Beverage Category! I know that you’re really going to fall head over heels in love with this lusciously-chocolately, decadent and creamy, holiday stress-relieving coffee treat with a surprising burst of cranberries just as much as we did! This would be such a fantastic “dessert cocktail” for the upcoming holidays, too! Especially for those who don’t care to bake. A spectacular frozen “dessert in a glass” in minutes! Huzzah!! 😀 A decadent treat that will even have ole Frosty the Snowman himself knocking on the door and caroling for!
What a most wonderful evening we had! A much needed, put the worries away for a few hours, romantic dinner getaway! The cranberries were amazing in this Frosty Chocolate Cranberry Frappé, and I think from now on, I’m going to continue to always add a little fruit! Thank you to everyone at Cape Cod for providing us with such a quality product. It’s sadly becoming rare these days, and it’s so desperately needed and very much appreciated!
Enjoy, friends, and take a moment each day to relax, regenerate, and enjoy life!
As it so quickly can pass us by!
*Be sure to follow Cape Cod Select Premium Cranberries via Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in touch and see all of the entries, as well as many more, provided by Cape Cod. (*Need help finding them? Click here to find a store in your area that carries them.)
***UPDATE!! My recipe won First Place in the Beverage Category!! *If you'd like to make this "virgin", sub chocolate syrup, another shot of espresso, and milk, half & half, or heavy cream for the three liqueurs. (*Same amounts, in order, per the recipe above, or make to your own preference).
Frosty Chocolate Cranberry Frappe
Ingredients
Optional Garnishes:
Instructions
Notes
**Amounts of liqueurs are to our taste. Adjust any way that you enjoy! (*For example, my hubby prefers a full ounce of Kahlua, but I like a little less so it isn't too overpowering).
