Cranberry Blender Relish
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry relish blended with orange and apples, topped with walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften gelatin in cold water in a saucepan for five minutes. Warm over low heat until gelatin is dissolved.
- Place cranberries, orange, apples, sugar, and gelatin mixture into a blender.
- Cover and blend until the orange peel is finely chopped.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Pour into a serving bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.
- Garnish with halved orange slices before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter relish, consider adding more sugar or using honey as a substitute. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the mixture longer, and you can replace walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. This dish is versatile; try adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for additional flavor, or consider using frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry blender relish is a wonderful accompaniment to holiday meals, pairing beautifully with roasted turkey or ham. For a refreshing twist, serve it alongside a cheese platter or as a topping for vegan recipes like salads. Garnish with halved orange slices for an extra pop of color and flavor. It's also delightful served with Emily'S Favorite Pancakes for a brunch treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. The relish can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, or you can bring it to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become watery upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Blender Relish contains roughly 519 calories, with 8g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 11g 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 cranberry relish can be made up to two days in advance. Simply prepare it as directed, then store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully as it chills, enhancing the overall taste when served.
Is it possible to adjust the sweetness of the relish?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the sugar to suit your taste preferences. Start with the suggested amount and then taste the mixture before blending. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar in small increments until you achieve your desired level of sweetness.
What can I use instead of gelatin for a vegan option?
For a vegan alternative, substitute the unflavored gelatin with agar-agar or a similar plant-based gelling agent. Follow the packaging instructions for proper ratios and preparation, ensuring to dissolve it in the cold water just like gelatin for the best results.
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).