Festive Brandied Cranberry Medley
Indulge in the tangy sweetness of this Festive Brandied Cranberry Medley, a delightful conserve that pairs perfectly with roasted meats, savory game dishes, and creamy baked Brie. This vibrant blend of fresh or frozen cranberries, zesty orange, and aromatic spices makes a stunning holiday gift or a festive addition to your seasonal table. Add a touch of optional nuts for extra texture and flavor, or experiment with different varieties such as pine nuts for a unique twist. Easy to make and cans beautifully, this conserve is a must-have for your holiday preservation endeavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
small orange
1 (finely chopped, peel and seeds removed)
cinnamon stick
1 (about 4 inches long)
whole cloves
3 (as is)
water
1/2 cup (as is)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
cranberries
3 cups (fresh or frozen)
granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (as is)
brandy
1/3 cup (as is)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by finely chopping the small orange, including the peel, in a food processor. Ensure that any seeds are removed for a smooth conserve.
2
In a medium non-reactive saucepan, combine the chopped orange, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan and let simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the cinnamon stick and cloves from the mixture.
5
Add the cranberries and granulated sugar to the saucepan. Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture reaches a light gel-like consistency, which should take about 5 minutes.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the brandy and slivered almonds, mixing well to combine.
7
Ladle the hot conserve into prepared half-pint jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a proper seal.
8
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Once done, carefully remove the jars and let them cool completely on a clean towel or wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Brandied Cranberry Medley?
It is a tangy and sweet fruit conserve made with cranberries, orange, and brandy, perfect for holiday meals.
What foods pair well with this cranberry medley?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, savory game dishes, and creamy baked Brie.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this medley.
How should I prepare the orange?
The orange should be finely chopped in a food processor, including the peel, but ensuring all seeds are removed.
Do I need to remove the orange peel?
No, the peel is included in the chopped mixture to provide zest and texture to the conserve.
How long do the orange and spices need to simmer?
The chopped orange, cinnamon, and cloves should simmer covered for 10 minutes.
When do I remove the cinnamon stick and cloves?
Remove the whole spices after the initial 10-minute simmer, before adding the cranberries and sugar.
How long do the cranberries take to cook?
The cranberries usually take about 5 minutes to burst and reach a light gel-like consistency.
What is the correct consistency for the medley?
It should reach a light gel-like consistency after the cranberries have burst.
When is the brandy added to the recipe?
The brandy is stirred in after the saucepan is removed from the heat and has cooled slightly.
Are the nuts mandatory in this recipe?
No, the slivered almonds are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free conserve.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, while almonds are traditional, you can use pine nuts or other varieties for a unique twist.
What type of saucepan should I use?
Use a medium non-reactive saucepan to prevent metallic flavors from leaching into the acidic fruit.
What is the headspace required for canning?
You should leave a 1/4-inch headspace at the top of the jars before sealing.
How long do I process the jars in a water bath?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Can I give this as a holiday gift?
Absolutely, its vibrant color and festive flavor make it a stunning holiday food gift.
Does this recipe work for small-batch preserving?
Yes, it is designed as a small-batch recipe, yielding approximately a few half-pint jars.
Do I need to use fresh lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and acidity.
Should the mixture be covered while the cranberries cook?
No, the mixture should simmer uncovered once the cranberries and sugar are added.
How should the jars be cooled after processing?
Let the jars cool completely on a clean towel or wire rack after removing them from the water bath.
Why do I need to wipe the jar rims?
Wiping the rims ensures no food residue interferes with the vacuum seal during the canning process.
What flavor does the brandy add?
The brandy adds a sophisticated warmth and depth that complements the tart cranberries and citrus.
Can I use this as a garnish for game meats?
Yes, it serves as an excellent savory garnish for venison, duck, or other game.
What is the purpose of the water in the recipe?
The water helps to simmer the orange and spices initially, creating a flavorful base before adding the berries.
Is this medley very sweet?
It has a balanced tangy-sweet flavor profile thanks to the combination of 1.5 cups of sugar and tart cranberries.
What is the difference between this and cranberry sauce?
This is a conserve, which typically contains a mix of fruits, citrus zest, and often nuts or spirits.
Can I omit the orange peel if I don't like it?
The recipe calls for the whole orange (peel included) for proper texture and pectin, so omitting it may change the results.
How many whole cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 whole cloves to provide an aromatic holiday spice profile.
Do I stir the mixture frequently?
Yes, stir frequently while the cranberries and sugar are simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
What size jars should I use?
Half-pint jars are the recommended size for this specific canning instruction.