Dottie'S Cranberry Gelatin
A festive cranberry gelatin mold with tart cranberries, sweet orange marmalade, and crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions appealing to those who love fruity, textured salads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange marmalade together and let set overnight to blend flavors.
- Mix cherry jello with hot water until dissolved and let cool.
- When the jello is cool, stir in the cranberry mixture and chopped nuts.
- Pour the mixture into a large ring mold and chill until firm.
- Unmold the gelatin and fill the center with Waldorf salad.
- Garnish with salad greens before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, let the cranberry mixture sit overnight, as this allows the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to meld. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, consider using more sugar or a flavored gelatin that complements the cranberries. You can substitute chopped walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version. For a twist, try adding diced apples to the mixture, inspired by American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This gelled cranberry dish makes a stunning centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside savory dishes like roast turkey or ham. It pairs beautifully with Mrs. Cates Potato Salad for a delightful contrast. For added flair, consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves or citrus zest for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gelatin will continue to set slightly, so it's best served fresh. If needed, you can reheat the Waldorf salad separately, but avoid reheating the gelatin as it will lose its texture. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dottie'S Cranberry Gelatin contains roughly 582 calories, with 6g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. 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 use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Fresh cranberries offer a firmer texture and brighter flavor, but thawed frozen cranberries can still work in this recipe if you adjust the sugar to taste.
How long does the gelatin take to set?
The gelatin typically takes about 4 to 6 hours to set thoroughly in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the day before serving to ensure it is firm and ready for unmolding. If you're short on time, consider placing it in the freezer for a quicker set, but check regularly to avoid freezing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan due to the gelatin used. However, you can substitute traditional gelatin with agar-agar or another plant-based gelatin alternative to make it vegan-friendly. Be sure to follow the package instructions for proper setting times and ratios.
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).