Aunt Mary'S Cranberry Mold
A vibrant, tangy cranberry mold with orange juice and a sweet sugar glaze, perfect as a festive side or dessert for holiday gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a covered pan, cook cranberries in orange juice until berries burst.
- Strain the cooked cranberries while still hot, using a strainer attachment on a mixer or pushing through a sieve with a wooden spoon.
- Stir the sugar into the hot fruit until dissolved, without further cooking.
- Pour the mixture into one large or several small molds and chill until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the strained cranberry mixture before chilling. If you're out of orange juice, try substituting with apple juice or lemon juice for a different flavor profile. Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best results. This recipe can also be adapted to incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Mary's Cranberry Mold as a festive side dish during holiday meals or as a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like roast turkey or ham, and is a great complement to salads such as Cucumber-Cabbage Salad. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or orange zest before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The mold can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, but if you prefer a softer texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Mary'S Cranberry Mold contains roughly 426 calories, with 1g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on them until they burst.
How long does the cranberry mold need to chill?
The cranberry mold should chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set. For best results, prepare it the night before serving, allowing it to set overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures a firmer texture and enhances the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, Aunt Mary's Cranberry Mold is naturally vegan, as it contains only cranberries, orange juice, and sugar. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes, offering a delightful and refreshing dish that everyone can enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).