Cranberry Ring Mold
A festive cranberry ring mold featuring tangy cranberries, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions with a colorful, jellied presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and reserve the juice.
- Add enough cold water to the reserved juice to make 1 cup.
- Dissolve the gelatin in hot water.
- Add the prepared pineapple juice mixture to the dissolved gelatin and cool slightly.
- Stir in ground cranberries, chopped celery, ground orange, chopped walnuts, ground apple, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into a ring mold and refrigerate until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, use fresh cranberries instead of ground ones if available, or consider substituting with dried cranberries soaked in warm water. If you're looking to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding other ingredients for the best texture. This dish can be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry ring mold is perfect as a festive side dish or a light dessert. Serve it chilled on a platter with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a fresh fruit salad. It pairs beautifully with Broasted Chicken for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with mint leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its shape, it's best to keep the mold intact until serving. If it becomes too soft, you can chill it briefly before serving to help it hold together better. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Ring Mold contains roughly 442 calories, with 8g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value) and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using plant-based gelatin alternatives, such as agar-agar, and ensuring that the sugar you use is not refined with bone char. Be sure to check that the jello you choose is also vegan-friendly.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as diced apples, pears, or even berries. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change depending on the fruits you choose, making it a versatile recipe to adapt to your preferences.
How do I prevent the jello from separating from the fruit?
To prevent separation, make sure the gelatin mixture is slightly cooled but still pourable when you add the fruit. Stir gently to distribute the fruit evenly without creating air bubbles. Allow the mixture to set undisturbed in the refrigerator 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).