Cranberries 3 Ways!

Cranberries Three Ways

Celebrate the Season with 3 Irresistible Cranberry Recipes: Looking to add a burst of festive flavour to your holiday table? These three cranberry recipes bring you a delicious mix of sweet, tart, and zesty that will make your dishes shine.

Start with my Cranberry Compote, a warm blend of fresh cranberries, orange zest, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect as a holiday side dish or a vibrant topping for breakfast and desserts.

Next, delight your guests with a smooth and elegant Jellied Cranberry Sauce. Made with fresh cranberries, orange peel, and gently simmered spices, this silky creation pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or your favorite vegetarian holiday meal.

For a bold twist, try my Cranberry Salsa, combining fresh and frozen cranberries with jalapeño, lime zest and juice, honey, and freshly chopped cilantro. This zesty salsa is a refreshing addition to your table, perfect as a dip, topping for roasted meats, or even wrapped in tacos.

Follow all the recipes and step-by-step guides below to make your holidays memorable, flavourful, and oh-so-cranberry!

1. Cranberry Compote Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) fresh cranberries

• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed)

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise (optional)

• 2-3 whole cloves (optional)

• 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves in a medium saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. Let cool before serving.

2. Jellied Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) fresh cranberries

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 1 cup (240ml) water

• Peel of 1 orange (large strips)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise (optional)

• 2-3 whole cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange peel, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves.

2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.

3. Press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or food mill to remove skins and seeds for a smooth jelly.

4. Pour the strained mixture into a mold or dish. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set.

3. Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 oz (170g) fresh cranberries

• 6 oz (170g) frozen cranberries

• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)

• Zest and juice of 1 lime

• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the fresh and frozen cranberries until finely chopped.

2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the jalapeño, lime zest and juice, honey, and cilantro.

3. Stir well and adjust for sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lime juice if desired.

4. Let the salsa sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend. Serve as desired.