DR. ARTHRITIS SHARES: ARTHRITIS-FRIENDLY DESSERT RECIPES FOR THANKSGIVING 2018

In an earlier post, we gathered some of our favorite recipes to make sure we all get to enjoy a hearty, sumptuous Thanksgiving this year. But what would Thanksgiving be without dessert?

Of course, as arthritis sufferers, we’re used to skipping this part of the meal to make sure we avoid unexpected flare ups. But you don’t have to if you choose joint-healthy recipes. So we’ve compiled some of the best dessert recipes we’ve tried and you’ve shared with us through the years. Hopefully you’ll find something that you’d want to try and include in your holiday menus—

Apple Cinnamon Bites

It’s so simple to prepare and it’s very low in calories. More importantly, the apple and cinnamon are also loaded with vitamin C that can help reduce inflammation.

1 medium green apple, sliced and cored

¼ tsp cinnamon, ground

Directions:

1. Arrange apple slices on a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and serve immediately.

Blueberry Soup

If you’re looking for something exotic and new to serve this Thanksgiving, try this Scandinavian favorite. Blueberries are loaded with flavonoids called anthocyanins which lends to its trademark tartness and deep blue hue. The same ingredient is responsible for the fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

4 cups of blueberries, washed thoroughly

2 cups water

½ cup sugar

4 tbsp potato starch

Directions:

1. Combine blueberries, sugar, and water into a deep saucepan and allow mixture to boil.
2. Mix potato starch with a few drops of cold water—mix and add mixture into the blueberry sauce.
3. Stir over low hear and allow mixture to thicken.
4. Pour into serving cups and allow it to cool.
5. Place cups in the refrigerator to chill until ready for serving.

Dark Chocolate Coated Frozen Bananas

Add this to your list of things to be thankful for—chocolate can help manage inflammation. This much-loved treat contains natural inflammation fighters that make it a welcome addition to any dessert menu.

12 ounces of dark chocolate

1 tbsp coconut oil

3 large bananas, cut into 3

Popsicle sticks

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate using a double boiler—chop into small pieces and add a tbsp. of coconut oil. Stir until melted and smooth.
2. Insert a popsicle stick into each banana.
3. Dip each banana into the chocolate while still warm.
4. Arrange bananas carefully on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Pop the tray into the freezer and let it set.

What’s your go-to, joint-friendly holiday dessert? We’d love to keep this list going so share it with us in the comment section below.