Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Medley
This delightful Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Medley is a cherished recipe that has graced our holiday tables for generations. The incredible blend of tart cranberries and sweet, succulent pineapple creates a harmonious balance that complements the savory flavors of roast turkey beautifully. With its vibrant color and enticing aroma, this sauce not only enhances your dish but also adds a festive flair to any gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it can be prepared up to a week in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen overnight. Whether served alongside turkey, ham, or as an unexpected topping for desserts and cheeses, this medley will garner compliments from every guest. Optionally, you can add a crunchy texture with walnuts or keep it nut-free for a family-friendly treat. Just remember to chill it for 24 hours before serving for the best taste!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pineapple in juice
1 (20 ounce) can (Drain thoroughly)
Cranberries
2 (12 ounce) packages (Fresh or frozen, preferably fresh)
Sugar
1 1/4 cups (Can be adjusted to taste)
Walnuts
1 1/4 cups (Chopped (optional))
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Instructions
1
Start by thoroughly draining the crushed pineapple in a fine sieve set over a large measuring cup. Use the back of a spoon to press down and extract any excess juice.
2
Once drained, measure the pineapple juice and add enough water to reach a total of 2 cups of liquid.
3
Pour the combined liquid into a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat.
4
Add the cranberries and sugar to the saucepan. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar completely dissolves.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring regularly. Allow it to boil until most of the cranberries have burst, roughly 10 minutes. You may want to cover it partially with a splatter screen or lid to avoid mess.
6
After boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the drained pineapple, optional walnuts, fresh lemon juice, and ground cloves. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
7
Transfer the sauce into a mixing bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
8
Once cooled, cover the sauce and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours before serving to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Medley?
It is a sweet and tart holiday sauce featuring a harmonious blend of cranberries and succulent pineapple, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
How should I prepare the crushed pineapple?
Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple in a fine sieve, using the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.
What liquid is used as the base for the sauce?
The base consists of the drained pineapple juice combined with enough water to reach a total of 2 cups of liquid.
How many packages of cranberries are needed?
The recipe requires two 12-ounce packages of cranberries, preferably fresh although frozen can be used.
Can I adjust the amount of sugar?
Yes, the 1 1/4 cups of sugar specified in the recipe can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
How long do the cranberries need to boil?
The cranberry mixture should be boiled for approximately 10 minutes until most of the berries have burst.
How do I prevent a mess while boiling the cranberries?
You can partially cover the saucepan with a lid or use a splatter screen while the mixture is boiling.
When do I add the crushed pineapple to the mixture?
Stir in the drained pineapple after you have removed the saucepan from the heat.
Are walnuts required for this recipe?
No, the 1 1/4 cups of chopped walnuts are optional and can be omitted for a nut-free version.
What spices are used in the medley?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to add a warm, festive flavor.
How much lemon juice should be added?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Should the sauce be cooled before refrigerating?
Yes, transfer the sauce to a mixing bowl and let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
How long must the sauce chill before serving?
The sauce should be refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Can I make Festive Cranberry-Pineapple Medley in advance?
Yes, this sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What main dishes pair well with this sauce?
It beautifully complements savory dishes like roast turkey and ham.
Can this medley be used for desserts?
Yes, it serves as an excellent topping for various desserts and even cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a balance of tartness from the cranberries and sweetness from the pineapple and sugar.
What type of pineapple should I buy?
You should use one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple in juice.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen cranberries?
While both work, fresh cranberries are preferably recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it boils?
Yes, you should stir the mixture regularly while it is at a gentle boil.
How do I measure the 2 cups of liquid?
Drain the pineapple juice into a large measuring cup first, then pour in water until the liquid level reaches the 2-cup mark.
When do I add the ground cloves?
Add the ground cloves at the very end, after removing the mixture from the heat, along with the pineapple and lemon juice.
What is the recommended storage method?
Once cooled, cover the sauce tightly and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is a traditional holiday side dish specifically noted for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Does the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, chilling the sauce for 24 hours helps it set and enhances the overall consistency.
Can I add different types of nuts?
While walnuts are suggested, you could experiment with other nuts or keep it nut-free as desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: pineapple, cranberries, sugar, walnuts, lemon juice, and ground cloves.
Is the lemon juice essential?
Fresh lemon juice provides a necessary brightness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and sugar.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple over a large measuring cup to collect the juice.