Festive Citrus Cranberry Medley
Elevate your holiday table with this exquisite Festive Citrus Cranberry Medley. A delightful twist on traditional cranberry sauce, this vibrant dish combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of oranges and pears, complemented by the crunch of pecans and a medley of dried fruits. Each spoonful bursts with flavors and aromas, creating a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also fills your kitchen with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a seasonal favorite. Whether served alongside turkey or enjoyed as a tangy spread, this sauce is sure to become a cherished tradition in your family gatherings.
16
Servings
112.5
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1 cup (none)
water
1 cup (none)
ocean spray cranberries
1 (12 ounce) package (fresh, rinsed)
orange
1 (peeled and pureed, zest reserved)
apple
1 (peeled and diced)
pear
1 (peeled and diced)
dried mixed fruit
1 cup (chopped, if large pieces)
pecans
1 cup (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
2
Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low and add the Ocean Spray cranberries to the saucepan.
3
In a blender, puree the peeled orange and add it to the saucepan along with the diced apple, diced pear, dried mixed fruit, chopped pecans, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4
Stir the mixture well, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature.
6
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best flavor, allow it to chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Information
4.4g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
0.9g
Protein
1.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Citrus Cranberry Medley?
It is a vibrant twist on traditional cranberry sauce that combines fresh cranberries with oranges, pears, apples, pecans, and dried fruits for a sweet and tart side dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe provides approximately 16 servings, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
What are the calorie counts for a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112.5 calories.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh Ocean Spray cranberries with frozen ones; just ensure they are rinsed before adding to the saucepan.
Should the apple and pear be peeled?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling and dicing both the apple and the pear for the best texture.
Why is the orange pureed in this recipe?
Pureeing the peeled orange helps distribute the citrus flavor evenly throughout the sauce and creates a smoother consistency.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes with the lid on.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 4.4g of fat per serving, largely coming from the chopped pecans.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Is this cranberry medley served hot or cold?
While it can be served at room temperature, it is best enjoyed chilled for at least 2 hours before serving.
What spices are used in this dish?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg to provide a warm, seasonal aroma.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to make it in advance as the flavors meld together better after chilling in the refrigerator.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients listed, including the fruits, nuts, and sugar, are plant-based.
What type of dried fruit should I use?
You can use a pre-packaged dried mixed fruit blend; just be sure to chop any large pieces before adding them.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to add water to the recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of water is used to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup base.
What is the purpose of the salt in this sweet recipe?
A half-teaspoon of salt is added to enhance the natural flavors of the fruit and spices.
Can I use this medley as a sandwich spread?
Absolutely, its tangy and sweet profile makes it an excellent spread for leftover turkey sandwiches.
Does this recipe include orange zest?
Yes, the instructions mention reserving the zest from the orange to add extra citrus punch.
What kind of saucepan should I use?
A medium saucepan is sufficient to hold the fruit, liquid, and sugar mixture.
How much fiber does one serving provide?
Each serving contains 1.3g of fiber.
Is the cooking heat high or low?
You start by bringing the sugar and water to a boil, but the fruit should be simmered on low heat.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Yes, feel free to adjust the cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your personal taste preferences.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 specific ingredients required for this medley.
Is there any protein in this dish?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.9g per serving.
What happens if I don't stir the mixture?
Stirring occasionally is important to prevent the sugars from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a holiday recipe, Thanksgiving side, citrus cranberry sauce, and comfort food.
Can I freeze the Festive Citrus Cranberry Medley?
Yes, cranberry sauce typically freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.