Cranberry Orange Gelatin Delight
Revitalize your festive gatherings with this vibrant Cranberry Orange Gelatin Delight. Rooted in tradition from a classic Jell-O holiday collection, this colorful dish beautifully marries the tartness of freshly ground cranberries with the sweet citrus notes of orange gelatin. While it requires some effort to grind the cranberries, the result is a stunning centerpiece that offers a refreshing balance of flavors and textures. Garnished with your choice of nuts and served on a bed of crisp greens, this wobbly dessert brings joy to any table, beckoning everyone to dig in and enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries
1.5 cups (ground)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup
Orange or lemon gelatin
2 packages (3 ounces each)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Boiling water
2 cups
Cold water
1.5 cups
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
Cloves
1/8 teaspoon
Orange
1 (sectioned and diced)
Almonds or walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by grinding the fresh cranberries and combining them with the granulated sugar in a bowl. Set aside and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the cranberries to release their juices.
2
In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin and salt in 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
3
Add the cold water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cloves to the gelatin mixture, and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4
Once cooled, chill the gelatin mixture in the refrigerator until it begins to thicken, about 30-45 minutes.
5
Fold in the ground cranberry and sugar mixture, sectioned and diced orange, and your choice of chopped almonds or walnuts until everything is well combined.
6
Gently spoon the entire mixture into a lightly greased 6-cup mold. Smooth the top and refrigerate until firm, approximately 4-6 hours or overnight.
7
To serve, carefully unmold the gelatin onto a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with crisp salad greens for a refreshing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Orange Gelatin Delight?
It is a vibrant, festive dish that combines tart ground cranberries with sweet orange gelatin, spices, and nuts.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The dish features a balance of tart cranberries, sweet citrus notes from orange gelatin, and warm hints of cinnamon and cloves.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
How should I prepare the fresh cranberries?
The fresh cranberries should be ground and then mixed with granulated sugar.
Why do I need to let the cranberry and sugar mixture sit?
Letting the mixture sit for about 10 minutes allows the cranberries to release their natural juices.
What type of gelatin is best for this recipe?
You can use either orange or lemon gelatin, specifically two 3-ounce packages.
How much boiling water is needed to dissolve the gelatin?
You will need 2 cups of boiling water.
What spices are included in the gelatin mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of cloves.
When should I add the cold water and lemon juice?
Add them to the gelatin mixture after the gelatin and salt have been completely dissolved in boiling water.
How long should the gelatin chill before adding the fruit and nuts?
Chill the mixture for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
What kind of nuts can be used in this gelatin delight?
You can use 1/2 cup of either chopped almonds or walnuts.
How should the orange be prepared before folding it in?
The orange should be sectioned and diced.
What size mold is needed for this recipe?
A 6-cup mold is required.
How do I prepare the mold to ensure the gelatin doesn't stick?
Lightly grease the mold before spooning the mixture into it.
How long does the gelatin need to refrigerate to become firm?
It needs to refrigerate for approximately 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight.
How is the dish typically served?
It is carefully unmolded onto a serving platter and can be garnished with crisp salad greens.
Is this a traditional holiday recipe?
Yes, it is rooted in tradition from a classic Jell-O holiday collection.
Can I substitute lemon gelatin for orange gelatin?
Yes, the recipe suggests either orange or lemon gelatin can be used.
How much sugar is used with the cranberries?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is often served on a bed of crisp greens for a refreshing touch.
How much cold water is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of cold water.
What provides the tartness in the dish?
The tartness comes from the fresh ground cranberries and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Is the texture of this dish consistent throughout?
No, it offers a variety of textures including smooth gelatin, crunchy nuts, and diced fruit pieces.
Is this dish considered a dessert or a side dish?
It is described as a wobbly dessert, though gelatin salads are often served as sides in holiday traditions.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Grinding the fresh cranberries and combining them with sugar.
How much lemon juice is used?
One tablespoon of lemon juice is used.
Can I use walnuts instead of almonds?
Yes, the recipe explicitly allows for either almonds or walnuts.
How much cinnamon is added?
One-quarter teaspoon of cinnamon is added for spice.
What makes this dish a good centerpiece?
Its vibrant color and molded shape make it visually stunning for festive gatherings.