Festive Cranberry-Apple Relish
Bring a burst of freshness to your holiday gatherings with this delightful Festive Cranberry-Apple Relish. A harmonious blend of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and zesty oranges creates a vibrant condiment that complements any holiday meal. This cherished family recipe, reminiscent of the famous flavors found in Frankenmuth, MI, is lovingly crafted to balance sweetness and tartness, making it a hit among both sides of the family. Enhanced with optional crushed pecans or walnuts, this relish is not only a festive addition to your feast but also a wonderful accompaniment for picnics throughout the year. Enjoy it fresh or freeze it for later use, and share in the seasonal spirit with every vibrant bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
red apple
1 large (Wash, core, and cut into quarters)
navel orange
1 large (Wash and cut off the ends)
cranberries
1 (12 ounce) bag (Frozen is best; rinse with water)
crushed pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup (Optional; crush if using)
sugar
1 cup (Or artificial sweetener to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the red apple and navel orange to remove any residues.
2
Rinse the frozen cranberries in a colander and set aside to drain.
3
Trim a small amount off the ends of the orange to expose the fruit sections. This will make it easier to chop.
4
Core the apple and cut it into quarters for easy processing.
5
In a food processor, pulse the cranberries until they reach a relish consistency. Scoop the processed cranberries into a large mixing bowl.
6
Chop the apple quarters using the food processor until finely chopped and add them to the bowl with the cranberries.
7
Quarter the orange, remove any seeds, and chop it in the food processor until the rind is finely incorporated. Add to the mixing bowl.
8
Gently mix the fruit together, then sprinkle 1/2 to 2/3 of the measured sugar over the mixture. Let it sit for about half an hour to enhance the flavors.
9
After resting, stir the mixture again and taste. If you prefer a sweeter relish, gradually add more sugar until it satisfies your taste buds; remember, this relish traditionally has a tart profile.
10
Finally, fold in the crushed nuts if desired. For those who may prefer it without nuts, consider serving them on the side.
11
For larger gatherings, feel free to quadruple the recipe, but hold back some sugar until after the rest period, as the fruit will develop its natural sweetness.
12
This relish freezes beautifully without the nuts, making it a perfect make-ahead condiment for summer picnics or winter meals.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry-Apple Relish?
It is a fresh, vibrant holiday condiment made from tart cranberries, sweet apples, and zesty oranges, inspired by flavors from Frankenmuth, MI.
What kind of apples are best for this relish?
The recipe calls for one large red apple, which should be washed, cored, and cut into quarters before processing.
Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries?
While both can work, frozen cranberries are recommended. Be sure to rinse them in a colander before use.
Do I need to peel the orange for this recipe?
No, you do not peel the orange. The rind is finely incorporated into the relish to provide a zesty flavor profile.
How do I prepare the orange for processing?
Wash and scrub the navel orange, trim the ends to expose the fruit, and remove any seeds before chopping.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it consists of fruit, sugar, and optional nuts.
Can I use an artificial sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with an artificial sweetener to taste.
What type of nuts can be added to the relish?
The recipe suggests adding 1/4 cup of crushed pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
How should I process the cranberries?
Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until they reach a consistent relish texture, then move them to a large bowl.
What is the best way to chop the apples?
Use a food processor to finely chop the apple quarters until they match the consistency of the cranberries.
Why should the relish sit for 30 minutes?
Letting the mixture rest for half an hour allows the sugar to draw out the fruit juices and enhances the overall flavor.
How much sugar should I add initially?
Start by sprinkling only 1/2 to 2/3 of the measured sugar over the fruit mixture before the rest period.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
After the 30-minute rest, taste the relish and gradually add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, though it is traditionally tart.
Can this recipe be scaled up for a large group?
Yes, you can easily quadruple the recipe for large gatherings, though you should still hold back some sugar until the final taste test.
How should I store leftovers?
The relish can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.
Can I freeze the Festive Cranberry-Apple Relish?
Yes, this relish freezes beautifully and makes a great make-ahead condiment for both summer and winter.
Should I add nuts before freezing?
It is recommended to freeze the relish without the nuts to maintain the best texture.
What is the traditional flavor profile of this dish?
The relish is designed to have a tart profile that balances the sweetness of the sugar and apples.
Where does this family recipe originate?
The recipe is a cherished family tradition reminiscent of the famous holiday flavors found in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
When is the best time to serve this relish?
While popular for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is also a wonderful accompaniment for picnics throughout the year.
What if some guests have nut allergies?
You can fold the crushed nuts in at the end or serve them on the side so guests can choose whether to include them.
What equipment is necessary for this recipe?
A food processor is the main tool needed to achieve the correct relish consistency for the fruit.
Do I need to cook this relish?
No, this is a fresh, raw fruit relish that requires no cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: red apple, navel orange, cranberries, sugar, and optional pecans or walnuts.
What can I serve with this relish?
It pairs excellently with holiday meats like turkey or ham, and also works well as a topping for sandwiches.
How do I prepare the cranberries?
Rinse the frozen cranberries in a colander and set them aside to drain before processing.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
A food processor is preferred to get a uniform 'pulse' texture, but a blender can work if used carefully on a low setting to avoid pureeing.
Does the recipe include the orange seeds?
No, you should ensure all seeds are removed from the orange quarters before putting them in the food processor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this fresh relish are naturally gluten-free.
How do I ensure the orange rind isn't too chunky?
Process the orange quarters until the rind is finely and uniformly incorporated into the fruit mixture.