Holiday Cranberry Conserve
A vibrant holiday conserve blending tart cranberries with sweet oranges, raisins, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for festive spreads or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate the orange peel and cut the oranges in half.
- Remove seeds and chop the oranges coarsely.
- Place the grated peel and chopped pulp in a blender with the water.
- Blend about 1 minute until finely ground.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook covered over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- Add cranberries, sugar, raisins, and salt; boil rapidly uncovered over medium-high heat until the mixture drops from a spoon in a sheet, leaving the spoon clean.
- Stir in nuts and cook for 5 minutes longer, stirring gently to avoid scorching.
- Chill the conserve.
- Serve in a pretty crystal bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more refined texture, consider using a food processor instead of a blender for the oranges. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones can be used without thawing. You can also substitute golden raisins with dried cherries for a different flavor profile. For added depth, a splash of orange liqueur can be stirred in at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry conserve pairs beautifully with a holiday turkey or as a spread on toast or biscuits. It can also enhance cheese platters, especially with sharp cheeses. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Irene'S Salad Dressing for a refreshing side salad or use it as a topping for Rhubarb Cake With Oatmeal Crust.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry conserve in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to six months. To serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a gentle stir before using. Avoid reheating on the stove as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Conserve contains roughly 1071 calories, with 14g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1783mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
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 other fruits in this conserve?
Yes, you can incorporate other fruits like apples or pears for additional sweetness and texture. Just ensure they are chopped finely and added at the same time as the cranberries to allow for even cooking.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar by one cup or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, keeping in mind that this may affect the consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this conserve can be canned. Ensure to follow proper canning procedures, using sterilized jars and lids. Process them in a water bath for about 10-15 minutes to ensure safety and preservation.
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).