Cranberry Conserve

Cranberry Conserve Recipe - Water, Brown Sugar, Cranberries, Orange Peel, Apples, and Nuts

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cranberry Conserve is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a spread, topping, or side dish. This recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of brown sugar and oranges, creating a flavorful and festive treat.

History

Cranberry Conserve has been a popular dish in American cuisine for many years, especially during the holiday season. The combination of cranberries, sugar, and citrus flavors has been a favorite among families and friends for generations.

Ingredients

2 cups of water
2 cups of firmly packed brown sugar
24 oz (680 g) of fresh cranberries [1]
2 tbsp of grated orange peel
4 oranges, peeled and chopped
2 apples, cored, pared and chopped
1 cup of chopped nuts

How to prepare

In a Dutch oven, mix the water and brown sugar and heat until boiling.
Boil for 1 minute.
Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the nuts, and heat until boiling.
Continue boiling rapidly until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, approximately 20 minutes.
Stir in the nuts.
Immediately pour the mixture into sterilized jars, glasses, or freezer containers and cover tightly. Let them stand until they reach room temperature.
Refrigerate or freeze for no longer than 3 months.

Variations

Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitute the nuts with dried fruits for a different texture.
Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

References

↑ Use 2 packages (12 oz (340 g) each) of fresh cranberries. There should be 6 cup of cranberries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- Stir the mixture frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

- Feel free to add other fruits or nuts to customize the conserve to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Conserve can be served as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream, or as a spread on toast or crackers.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires boiling and simmering to cook the cranberries and thicken the mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the oranges with tangerines or clementines, and the apples with pears or peaches.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Conserve can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry Conserve in a decorative jar or bowl for a festive and colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Conserve pairs well with roasted meats, cheeses, and breads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cranberry Conserve in the refrigerator or freezer in airtight containers. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator or microwave until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Conserve contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Conserve contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Conserve contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Conserve contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Conserve is a good source of Vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts.

Summary

Cranberry Conserve is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in Vitamin C and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

Summary

Cranberry Conserve is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for the holiday season or any time of year. With its sweet and tart flavors, this conserve is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and well-loved, and as I turned them, I came across a recipe for Cranberry Conserve that caught my eye.

I had always loved cranberries, with their vibrant red color and tart flavor. They reminded me of the holidays and family gatherings, and I knew I had to give this recipe a try. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the sweet and tangy preserve in my mouth.

I decided to make the Cranberry Conserve for our next family dinner, and I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients. I made sure to pick the plumpest and juiciest cranberries I could find, along with oranges, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. As I chopped and stirred, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting aroma of simmering fruit.

The recipe called for simmering the cranberries with orange zest and juice until they burst and released their juices, creating a thick and jam-like consistency. I added a touch of cinnamon for warmth and depth of flavor, and slowly stirred in the sugar until it dissolved and sweetened the mixture.

As the Cranberry Conserve cooked on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to my own grandmother and all the recipes she had passed down to me. She had been a master in the kitchen, creating delicious meals and treats from scratch with love and care. I had learned so much from her over the years, and I knew she would be proud to see me carrying on the tradition.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of stirring and simmering, the Cranberry Conserve was ready. I let it cool slightly before transferring it to a jar, where it glistened like a jewel in the sunlight. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and see their reactions to this new creation.

That evening, as we gathered around the table for dinner, I proudly presented the Cranberry Conserve to my loved ones. Their eyes lit up with delight as they spooned the ruby-red preserve onto their plates, pairing it with roast turkey and all the trimmings.

As we ate, the Cranberry Conserve brought a burst of tart sweetness to the meal, balancing out the rich flavors of the turkey and gravy. The combination was perfect, and I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction at having created something so delicious and memorable.

From that day on, Cranberry Conserve became a staple at our family gatherings, a reminder of the love and care that went into each batch. I continued to make it year after year, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste and experimenting with different variations.

Over time, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it along just as my own grandmother had done for me. It became a beloved tradition in my own kitchen, a symbol of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives.

As I look back on that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe for Cranberry Conserve, I am grateful for the inspiration and creativity it sparked in me. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring us together, to evoke memories and emotions, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, I will continue to make Cranberry Conserve for years to come, sharing it with those I love and passing down the recipe to future generations. It is a small but meaningful way to honor the legacy of my grandmother and the traditions that have shaped me into the cook and caretaker I am today.