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Hey there, holiday lovers!
Are you ready to spice up your festive meals? I have a delightful treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for Christmas cranberry relish.
It’s bright, tangy, and adds the perfect pop of flavor to any holiday spread.
Trust me, this easy-to-make relish will be a hit at your table!
Let’s dive into this tasty holiday tradition!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Fresh cranberries can be replaced with frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable. Use the same amount and extend cooking time slightly to account for thawing. For a lower sugar option, substitute half the cranberries with diced apple, which adds natural sweetness and fiber. The orange can be swapped with a large tangerine or two small clementines for a slightly different citrus flavor profile. Keep the peel for a similar texture and taste. White sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or a stevia blend for those seeking alternative sweeteners. Start with half the amount of stevia blend and adjust to taste, as it’s much sweeter than regular sugar. These substitutions maintain the relish’s tart-sweet balance while offering options for dietary preferences.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 1-2 g
- Fat: 0-1 g
- Carbohydrates: 100-110 g
Ingredients
- 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- Water
Step 1: Gather and Prepare the Ingredients
Collect all of your ingredients: a 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries, 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1 large orange, and some water.
Begin by using a microplane to carefully zest the orange.
Make sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the skin.
Set the zest aside for later use.
Step 2: Start Cooking the Cranberries
In a medium saucepan, place the washed cranberries.
Add enough filtered water to just cover the cranberries.
Turn on the heat to medium and allow the water to warm up, ensuring it gets close to boiling.
Step 3: Add the Sweetness and Orange Flavor
Once the water is warm, incorporate the sugar, the reserved orange zest, and the juice of the zested orange into the saucepan.
Stir gently and allow the mixture to come back to a near boil.
Step 4: Burst the Cranberries
Using a firm silicone spatula, begin pressing the cranberries against the side of the pot to burst them open.
This process helps to release their rich flavor and vibrant color.
Continue crushing the cranberries until all are broken down, and the mixture resembles a thin red soup.
Step 5: Cool and Continue to Develop Flavors
Once all the cranberries are broken down, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool for at least a few hours.
For best results, transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a glass bowl and refrigerate it overnight.
This helps the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve the cranberry sauce with your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.
It’s also delightful served as a topping with ice cream or other desserts.
Enjoy the homemade freshness and vibrant taste of your homemade cranberry sauce!
