Christmas Cranberry Mold
A festive, fruity gelatin mold featuring cranberries, grapes, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and adding a colorful, flavorful touch to any Christmas table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook cranberries, sugar, and water until the cranberries are soft.
- Add the cherry gelatin and let it cool.
- Refrigerate until the mixture starts to set.
- Add all remaining ingredients: chopped nuts, red grapes, crushed pineapple, chopped celery, and ground orange.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider pureeing the cranberries after cooking them. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, keeping in mind it may alter the flavor slightly. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or use dried fruits as substitutes for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive dish chilled on a platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be served alongside a refreshing Romaine And Strawberry Salad for a balanced meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks, it adds a vibrant touch to any table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The mold can be sliced and served cold directly from the fridge. If you need to reheat, place slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but be mindful that the texture may change slightly when heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cranberry Mold contains roughly 420 calories, with 4g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess water in your mold. The flavor will remain similar, making it a great alternative when fresh cranberries are not available.
How long does it take for the mold to set?
Typically, the mold will take about 4-6 hours to set in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before serving to ensure it's fully firm and easy to slice.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe can easily be adapted to vegan by using plant-based gelatin or agar-agar instead of traditional gelatin. Just follow the instructions on the package to achieve the desired consistency.
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).