Holiday Cranberry Salad

Holiday Cranberry Salad Recipe - A Festive Delight from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Holiday Cranberry Salad is a festive and delicious dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering. This sweet and tangy salad is made with fresh cranberries, pineapple, grapes, and pecans, all held together with a gelatin base. It is a refreshing and colorful addition to any holiday meal.

History

Holiday Cranberry Salad has been a popular dish in American households for many years, especially during the holiday season. The combination of cranberries, pineapple, and nuts creates a unique and flavorful salad that is both sweet and tart. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple at many holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
0.5 cup of cold water
1 (15.75 oz (447 g)) can of crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups of sugar
4 cups of fresh cranberries
0.5 cup of seedless green grapes
1 cup of finely chopped pecans

How to prepare

Soften the gelatin in cold water and set it aside.
Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice.
Add enough water to the pineapple juice to make 3.5 cups.
Bring the juice mixture and sugar to a boil, then add the cranberries and cook for 7-10 minutes or until the berries pop.
Stir in the softened gelatin.
Chill the mixture until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg white.
Stir in the grapes, pecans, and pineapple.
Pour the mixture into a lightly oiled 8-cup mold.
Chill the mold until it becomes firm.

Variations

Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
Use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for added crunch.
Substitute the grapes with diced apples or pears for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soften the gelatin in cold water before adding it to the hot juice mixture to ensure it dissolves properly.

- Be sure to chill the mixture until it reaches the consistency of unbeaten egg white before adding the grapes, pecans, and pineapple.

- Lightly oiling the mold before pouring in the mixture will help the salad release easily once it is set.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Cranberry Salad can be served as a side dish or a dessert. It pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or pork dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the cranberries until they pop to release their juices and flavor.

- Chill the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency before adding the remaining ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries for a quicker version of the salad.

- Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Holiday Cranberry Salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to set properly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Holiday Cranberry Salad in a decorative mold or on a bed of lettuce for a festive presentation. Garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Holiday Cranberry Salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted turkey, ham, or pork. It also complements other holiday side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Holiday Cranberry Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Salad contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Salad contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Holiday Cranberry Salad is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and manganese.

Alergens

Holiday Cranberry Salad contains nuts (pecans) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Holiday Cranberry Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also contains important vitamins and minerals. It is a great addition to any holiday meal.

Summary

Holiday Cranberry Salad is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering. This sweet and tangy salad is made with fresh cranberries, pineapple, grapes, and pecans, all held together with a gelatin base. It is a refreshing and colorful addition to any holiday meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Holiday Cranberry Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always creating delicious dishes that brought our family together. One day, as we were going through her old recipe box, she pulled out a faded card with the words "Holiday Cranberry Salad" written in elegant script.

My grandmother explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family. It was a staple at our holiday gatherings, loved by all who tried it. I was eager to learn how to make it, and my grandmother was more than happy to teach me. She guided me through each step, showing me how to prepare the cranberries, oranges, and other ingredients with care and precision.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I could see the love and passion she poured into every dish she made. It was a lesson I would never forget – cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about infusing each dish with your own unique touch and creating something special for those you love.

After hours of preparation and anticipation, the Holiday Cranberry Salad was finally ready. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, the flavors of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and crunchy pecans mingled together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that embodied the spirit of the holidays – warm, comforting, and full of love.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe for Holiday Cranberry Salad, sharing it with friends and family at our annual gatherings. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of the lessons my grandmother taught me about cooking with love and creating dishes that bring people together.

I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to make it my own. But no matter how I choose to adapt it, the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of cooking.

As I pass down this recipe to future generations, I hope that they will feel the same sense of joy and connection that I do when I make it. Cooking is more than just a task – it is a way to create memories, share traditions, and bring people closer together.

So as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cranberries and oranges, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe and the love that it represents. It is a reminder of the bonds that tie us to our past and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we hold dear. And for that, I am truly thankful.