Bubbly Without the Buzz Orange cranberry sauce is a vibrant twist on the classic, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the natural sweetness of oranges and dates. Date syrup lends a subtle, caramel-like richness, while fresh orange zest adds a bright, fragrant finish. Bursting with color and flavor, this festive sauce brings a delightful balance of sweet and tart to any holiday table. Explore beyond your Thanksgiving and Christmas side dish and dollop it on a baked sweet potato or roasted butternut squash. Yields: 2 ¼ cups Ingredients: ½ cup orange juice ½ cup date syrup, plus more to taste 12 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen) 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest Directions: 1. Combine orange juice and date syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. 2. Add cranberries and orange zest to the saucepan, then return to a gentle boil. 3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken. 4. Remove from heat. For a smoother consistency, use a potato masher to gently mash the cranberries to your desired texture. Leave some berries whole for a chunkier sauce, if preferred. 5. Taste and add more date syrup if desired. The sauce will thicken as it cools. 6. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Notes: • When stored in an airtight container, homemade cranberry sauce will keep for approximately 5-7 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to two months. • Cranberry sauce freezes well, making it an excellent option for preparing in advance or preserving leftovers. Andréa Dunnam, director of events for The Plantrician Project, is a passionate plantbased cook known for her simple, approachable recipes. At the Power Of The Plate Conference, she helps curate the menu for the plant-based meals served throughout the event, bringing the power of lifestyle medicine to life through food. For more information, visit www.poweroftheplate.org. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2026 Fresh Cuisine The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 19 LA QUINTA 79050 Highway 111 at Adams Street INDIAN WELLS 74895 Highway 111 at Cook Street PALM SPRINGS 5200 E. Ramon Road at Gene Autry Trail SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET Desert Health is proud to be featured in Sprouts Farmers Market. Stop by and pick up your copy today! Eat, drink and be healthy Satisfying substitutes | By Lauren Del Sarto Healthier Holiday Cranberry Sauce By Andréa Dunnam ’Tis the season for celebrations, and sometimes there can simply be too many. Between holiday parties, dinners with friends, family gatherings, work events and New Year’s festivities, it’s easy to find yourself raising a glass more often than you’d like. Pacing yourself is always a good idea, and it doesn’t mean you have to go empty-handed. Alcohol-free alternatives are easy to find and can be a welcome guest at gatherings these days as they keep you toasting without feeling toasty in the morning. Here are a few top-rated, non-alcoholic sparkling wines we recommend based on flavor. We researched and tried them for you (but let the pros provide the taste profiles). BOLLE Blanc de Blancs For a true champagne taste, BOLLE may be the most convincing. Made primarily from Chardonnay grapes, it is described as “bright lemon, grapefruit and lime with green apple, subtle tropical fruit and a lightly toasted finish.” Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points, while a 2025 Forbes tasting scored it 93, and word is out: It is commonly out of stock at retail, but can be ordered with free shipping on two or more bottles at www.bolledrinks.com. It contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. ($40) French Bloom Le Blanc This is one of our favorites because, in addition to its elegant taste, it also contains no added sugar. Its flavor begins with “a citrus zest and crisp pear, then develops softer notes of dried fruit, honey and a saline mineral finish.” Made with organic French Chardonnay and crafted to 0.0% alcohol, it has a creamy, silky feel, more specialoccasion than substitute. It can be found at Gelson's and Bristol Farms. Desert Wine Shop on 111 carries Le Rosé. ($39) Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay This value pick should not be snubbed. Made from organically grown Chardonnay, Noughty is 0.0% alcohol and delivers “ripe apple, refreshing acidity and just enough sweetness for balance.” Wine Enthusiast noted its distinctly adult, winelike character rather than the sweetness associated with sparkling cider. You can find it at Desert Wine Shop and Total Wine. ($23) And remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Alternate traditional bubbly with alcohol-free options throughout the busy season. Bring a bottle to the party or keep one chilled for unexpected guests, because sometimes the happiest toast is simply having a healthier option. Sources: 1) https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizthach/2025/01/22/five-alcohol-free-wines-to-trynow–that-actually-taste-delicious; 2) https://www. wineenthusiast.com/culture/spirits/best-non-alcoholicsparkling-wine
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