Cran-Apple Relish
A vibrant cranberry-apple relish with citrus and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a tangy side to roasted meats and cheeses.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash cranberries and apples well.
- Cut apples into quarters and remove cores.
- Put cranberries and apples through a blender or food processor using a medium blade.
- Stir in grated orange rind, lemon juice, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
- Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight to blend flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother relish, blend the cranberries and apples longer, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse them briefly. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones can be used without thawing. For added sweetness, consider reducing the sugar slightly or using honey. You can also experiment with spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cran-Apple Relish chilled as a vibrant side dish with roasted meats or as a condiment on turkey sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with New England Yam Bake for a festive meal. For a unique dessert, try it on top of vanilla ice cream or alongside Vanilla No-Bake Cookies for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cran-Apple Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to meld and improve over time. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cran-Apple Relish contains roughly 204 calories, with 3g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 make this relish ahead of time?
Yes, this relish is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it benefits from sitting in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Prepare it a day or two in advance for optimal taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Cran-Apple Relish is entirely plant-based, making it a great addition to vegan recipes. Just ensure that any sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
Can I substitute the apples for another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears or even a mix of berries for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly to taste.
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).