Christmas Ketchup
This Christmas Ketchup is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings. The jellied cranberry sauce paired with ginger and spices creates a unique condiment that complements cream cheese and crackers beautifully, making it an ideal addition to festive cheese boards.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the jellied cranberry sauce, sugar, white vinegar, minced fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, and pepper in a medium saucepan.
- Stir together the all-purpose flour and water until smooth.
- Add the flour mixture to the cranberry mixture. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Store the ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve with cream cheese and crackers.
- Pour over cream cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the cranberry sauce before mixing with other ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter ketchup, adjust the sugar to taste. Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger in a pinch, using about half the amount. This recipe can also be made vegan by ensuring the sugar is plant-based and pairing it with vegan cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This festive ketchup pairs beautifully with cream cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer. It can also be drizzled over grilled meats or used as a unique condiment for sandwiches. Consider serving it alongside dishes like Texas Barbecue Beef for a flavorful twist or as a dip for fresh veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage. To use after freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Ketchup contains roughly 398 calories, with 10g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (178% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 27g 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 adjust the spice levels in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the spice levels by adding more or less ground cinnamon and allspice. For a spicier kick, consider incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Is there a way to make this ketchup less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut back on the sugar and increase the vinegar slightly to balance the flavors. You could also add a touch of salt to enhance the overall taste without adding extra sweetness.
What are some good pairings for this Christmas ketchup?
This ketchup pairs wonderfully with cream cheese and crackers, but it can also complement savory dishes like roasted meats or served alongside Darlene's Zucchini Relish for a festive spread. It adds a unique flavor to sandwiches and wraps as well.
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).