I have been busy in the kitchen these last couple of days...but it has all been worth it! Eating healthy does require a little more planning...a little more washing, chopping, dicing, and a little more searching for delicious and healthy recipes. But, honestly, it is fun and has become an easier task over time.

Today I have been making crock pot vegan stuffing and fresh cranberry sauce. You really should ban the can of cranberry sauce. The real stuff is so much tastier. There is no comparison. And it is so easy and actually fun to make. Here is my recipe for perfect healthy delicious cranberry sauce. I made it for Thanksgiving...made some today...and will definitely be having it for Christmas Day.

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

1 bag of cranberries
1 cup of orange juice
1/4 cup of sugar (or a little more of you need the sweeter taste...I like the tartness of cranberries)
1 tsp of ground cinnamon

Simmer the first 3 ingredients on the stove until the cranberries start to POP! That is the fun part. Then depending on how saucy you want it, continue to simmmer for a few minutes, until most of the cranberries have popped. Then add about 1 tsp of ground cinnamon. Yum! Refrigerate until chilled. It will thicken up and be so good with your dressing!

Vegan Crock Pot Stuffing/Dressing

I found this recipe on John McDougall's website. It really is delicious!

2 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 12 ounce pkg sliced mushrooms
12 cups of low fat cornbread, crumbled or whole wheat bread crumbs
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp sage
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp marjoram
3 1/2- 4 1/2 cups organic vegetable stock

Saute onion, celery, mushrooms, and parsley in a little veggie broth.

Pour veggies over bread crumb mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add all of the seasonings and toss together.

Pour enough broth to moisten. Also add broth halfway through cooking for moister stuffing.

Pack stuffing lightly into crock pot and cover. Set on high for 45 minutes. Reduce to low and cook for 3-4 hours.

Mike and I went to our favorite Christmas party last night. It was a fun ornament exchange and I came home with a very cute *Light of the World* ornament. I love it! I actually really wanted this very gorgeous little girl from the 1800's holding a bouquet of holly and a gift behind her back...but it was stolen from me from one of my pastors!!! It was actually my youth pastor whom I serve with and respect very much. Can you believe that? He showed no mercy! I saw a side of him last night that I did not like at all! : ) They do have 4 daughters, though...so I guess it is okay! But, I did find out where to purchase the ornament and yes, I will be getting one soon! I will show you pictures when I get it.

I made this treat for the party and it was very good. I love the fact that it is fresh fruit and good for you except for a little sugar. During the Christmas season, I am still eating as healthy as I can and I like to make healthy things for my friends to enjoy, too. It required a lot of chopping...but it was really good! I usually make appetizers for Christmas Eve and this is on my list for sure. It is also very pretty. I hope others enjoyed it.

I hope this season finds you all having wonderful days with your families.