Festive Fruited Yams

Makes about 4 cups

1 Large yam, peeled ( 2 to 3 cups diced )
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Crisp green apple, peeled
1 Cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 Cup Orange juice concentrate
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
2 Tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Cut peeled yams into 1/2-inch cubes ( you should have 2 to 3 cups ). Toss with oil and spread in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top with diced apple and cranberries.

Mix orange juice concentrate, maple syrup, and water and pour evenly over yam mixture. Cover and bake until yams are tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Recipe from The Survivor’s Handbook: Eating Right for Cancer Survival by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond.

Yams and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, squash, cantaloupe, mango and pumpkin contain beta-carotene, a potent immune-booster and cancer-fighting antioxidant. Studies have shown that people consuming diets rich in beta-carotene have lower risks of many types of cancer survival rates. The function of white blood cells is improved by as little as 30 milligrams (mg) of beta-carotene per day-the amount in two medium carrots or one small yam.

The Cancer Project is a nonprofit organization advancing cancer prevention and survival through nutrition education and research. Your source for free nutrition information, cancer fighting recipes, and educational materials.