Mom'S Best Cranberry Mold
A vibrant and tangy cranberry mold combining raspberry gelatin, pineapple, cranberry sauce, and walnuts, perfect for festive occasions or as a refreshing appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the raspberry gelatin in 1 cup of hot water according to package instructions.
- Chop the small orange into small pieces and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, pineapple tidbits, chopped orange, and chopped walnuts.
- Add the dissolved gelatin to the cranberry mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a jello mold and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a dash of orange juice to the gelatin mixture. If you want a lower-sugar option, try using sugar-free raspberry gelatin and a no-sugar-added cranberry sauce. You can also substitute pecans for walnuts if desired. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved before mixing to avoid clumps.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry mold is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with Rump Roast With Gravy. Serve it alongside a light salad or as a refreshing dessert option. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with additional walnuts or fresh orange slices. It also complements savory dishes well, making it a versatile addition to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The gelatin mold can be sliced and served cold straight from the fridge. If you need to soften it slightly before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, but do not reheat as it will lose its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Best Cranberry Mold contains roughly 1558 calories, with 35g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 148g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 16g 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 fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency first. This will enhance the fresh flavor but requires additional preparation time.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the cranberry mold up to two days in advance. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap after it has set in the mold, keeping it fresh until you're ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The recipe as it stands is not vegan due to the gelatin. However, you can substitute the gelatin with a vegan alternative like agar-agar, which will give you a similar texture without animal products.
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).