Grandma’s Cranberry Bliss

Description of this recipe

Grandma’s Cranberry Bliss is a vibrant, no-cook cranberry relish that marries the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for brightening up your holiday table or adding a zing to any meal. This recipe, passed down through generations, offers a fresh and exciting alternative to traditional cooked cranberry sauces. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and no cooking, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll fall in love with Grandma’s Cranberry Bliss for its simplicity and irresistible taste. The bright, tangy flavors are balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the nutty warmth of toasted walnuts, creating a delightful combination that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The no-cook nature of the recipe means you can whip it up in minutes, leaving you more time to focus on other dishes and enjoy the festivities. Furthermore, it can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. This versatile relish is not only a perfect accompaniment to holiday roasts and poultry but also adds a unique twist to sandwiches, salads, and even desserts.

Introduction

In the realm of holiday traditions, cranberry sauce often holds a place of honor, though sometimes it’s met with mixed reactions. For many, it’s a necessary component of the Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, yet its often-mushy texture and overly sweet flavor can leave much to be desired. Grandma’s Cranberry Bliss offers a refreshing departure from the ordinary, breathing new life into the cranberry experience.

This isn’t your typical cranberry sauce simmered on the stovetop. This is a vibrant, raw relish, alive with the natural flavors of cranberries and oranges. It’s a recipe that celebrates the freshness of ingredients and the simplicity of preparation. Imagine the burst of tart cranberries, the juicy sweetness of orange, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts all coming together in a harmonious blend.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its ease. With just a few ingredients and a food processor, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday meal. It’s a recipe that encourages experimentation and personalization, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, add other fruits, or incorporate your favorite nuts.

Grandma’s Cranberry Bliss is more than just a relish; it’s a celebration of family traditions, shared memories, and the joy of good food. It’s a recipe that will be cherished for generations to come.

Ingredients:

1 medium navel orange
1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Preparation:

Step 1: Thoroughly wash the medium navel orange. There’s no need to peel it, as the zest adds a wonderful citrusy aroma and flavor to the relish. However, make sure to remove any stickers or blemishes. Cut the unpeeled orange into wedges. Take the time to inspect each wedge and carefully remove any seeds. Seeds can impart a bitter taste to the final product, so it’s important to eliminate them. Place the orange wedges into the bowl of a food processor.

Step 2: Add the cranberries to the food processor. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cranberries, make sure they are thoroughly thawed if previously frozen. Thawing allows the cranberries to release their natural juices, contributing to the overall texture and flavor of the relish. Pour the cup of sugar over the orange and cranberries. The sugar will help to balance the tartness of the cranberries and create a sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Step 3: Pulse the mixture in the food processor until finely chopped. Avoid over-processing, as you want to maintain some texture in the relish. The goal is to break down the orange and cranberries into small pieces, but not to create a smooth puree. Pulse in short bursts, checking the consistency frequently, until the mixture reaches your desired texture.

Step 4: Add the chopped walnuts to the food processor. It’s crucial that the walnuts are toasted beforehand. Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch. To toast walnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and aromatic.

Step 5: Pulse the mixture just until the walnuts are combined. Be careful not to over-process at this stage, as you want the walnuts to remain in distinct pieces. Over-processing will turn the walnuts into a paste, which will detract from the overall texture of the relish. Pulse in short bursts until the walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Transfer the cranberry relish to a serving bowl or container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.

COOKING Rating:

No Cooking Required (Easy)

Serving Suggestions:

Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or ham.
Use as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps.
Add to salads for a burst of flavor and texture.
Spread on crackers or toast with cream cheese.
Spoon over grilled brie for a delectable appetizer.
Use as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Mix into stuffing for added flavor and moisture.

Tips:

For a more intense orange flavor, add the zest of one orange to the food processor along with the orange wedges.
Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the tartness of the cranberries and your personal preference.
Substitute pecans, almonds, or other nuts for walnuts.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or Grand Marnier for a boozy kick.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small piece of jalapeño pepper to the food processor.
Store leftover cranberry relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

0 minutes

Total Time:

15 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)

Nutritional Information:

per ¼ cup serving

Calories: 148
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 1mg

Conclusion

Grandma’s Cranberry Bliss is a delightful and versatile relish that’s sure to become a holiday favorite. Its simplicity, fresh flavors, and satisfying texture make it a welcome addition to any meal. So, ditch the canned cranberry sauce and embrace this easy-to-make, no-cook recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!

Questions and Answers about Grandma’s Cranberry Bliss:

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?

A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the food processor. Thawing allows the cranberries to release their juices, contributing to the overall texture and flavor of the relish. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Just be careful not to over-thaw them, as they can become mushy. Once thawed, drain any excess liquid before adding them to the food processor. Using frozen cranberries is a great option when fresh cranberries are not in season or readily available. It also allows you to make this relish year-round, not just during the holidays.

Q2: Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?

A: While it’s not strictly necessary, toasting the walnuts is highly recommended. Toasting the walnuts significantly enhances their flavor, bringing out their natural nutty notes and adding a layer of complexity to the relish. It also gives them a satisfying crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the cranberries and oranges. Toasted walnuts provide a textural element that is much more pleasing than raw walnuts, which can be a bit bland and slightly bitter. Toasting is a quick and easy process that makes a world of difference in the final product. You can toast them in the oven or in a dry skillet on the stovetop. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.

Q3: Can I make this relish ahead of time?

A: Yes, absolutely! In fact, making this relish ahead of time is highly recommended. Allowing the relish to sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, allows the flavors to meld and deepen. The cranberries, oranges, and sugar will have time to mingle and create a more harmonious flavor profile. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! This makes it a perfect dish for busy holiday cooks, as you can prepare it well in advance and simply pull it out when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out. It will keep well for up to 5 days.

Q4: I don’t have a food processor. Can I still make this recipe?

A: While a food processor is the easiest and most efficient way to make this relish, you can still make it without one. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop the orange and cranberries by hand. This will require a bit more time and effort, but it’s definitely doable. Make sure to chop the ingredients as finely as possible to achieve a similar texture to that of the food processor. You can also use a meat grinder to grind the orange and cranberries, which will give you a more uniform texture. If you’re using a meat grinder, be sure to clean it thoroughly before and after use. Whichever method you choose, be prepared to put in a little extra elbow grease.

Q5: Can I freeze this cranberry relish?

A: While some people have reported success freezing this cranberry relish, it’s not generally recommended. Freezing can alter the texture of the relish, making it softer and less crisp. The cranberries and oranges may also release some liquid upon thawing, which can make the relish watery. However, if you do choose to freeze it, be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Keep in mind that the texture may not be quite as good as fresh relish, but it will still be flavorful. It’s best to make a small batch and enjoy it fresh for the best results.