Holiday Spiced Cranberry Conserve
This Holiday Spiced Cranberry Conserve is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that elevates any festive gathering. A treasured family recipe for many years, it has been refined to ensure delicious results every time. The vibrant cranberries, complemented by the zest of orange and lemon, along with the heartiness of chopped apples, create a gorgeous mixture bursting with seasonal flavors. Optionally enriched with plump raisins and crunchy walnuts, this conserve is not just a perfect condiment for roasted fowl and pork dishes, but also a versatile option that can be customized to your liking. Leave out the nuts and raisins for a classic cranberry sauce or let it simmer longer for a thicker, jelly-like texture. Easy to make and wonderful to enjoy, this conserve can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a go-to choice for the holiday table.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh cranberries
12 ounces (washed)
sugar
1 3/4 cups (none)
water
1 cup (none)
Granny Smith apple
1 (peeled and finely chopped)
orange
1 (zest and juiced)
lemon
1 (zest and juiced)
raisins
3/4 cup (none)
walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop and open.
2
Once the cranberries have fully opened and the mixture reaches a gentle boil, add the finely chopped apple, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice. Continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning. The apple pieces should incorporate into the mixture, becoming almost invisible.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts (or pecans) and raisins. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving container.
4
Refrigerate the conserve until chilled. For a thicker jelly-like consistency, cook the mixture longer over low heat, reducing the liquid for approximately 30-45 minutes while stirring frequently.
5
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious accompaniment to your holiday meals.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
15g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
1mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holiday Spiced Cranberry Conserve?
It is a sweet and tart blend of fresh cranberries, citrus, and apples that serves as a festive condiment.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh cranberries, sugar, water, a Granny Smith apple, orange, lemon, raisins, and walnuts or pecans.
How should I prepare the cranberries?
The cranberries should be washed before you begin the cooking process.
What type of apple is best for this conserve?
A Granny Smith apple is recommended for its tart flavor and ability to blend into the mixture.
How long does the initial cooking step take?
You should cook the cranberries, sugar, and water over low heat for about 5 minutes until the cranberries pop.
When do I add the orange and lemon?
Add the zest and juice of both the orange and lemon once the cranberries have fully opened and the mixture reaches a boil.
Do I need to peel the apple?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the Granny Smith apple should be peeled and finely chopped.
How long should the mixture simmer after adding the fruit?
The mixture should continue to cook for 15 to 20 minutes while stirring constantly.
Can I make this conserve nut-free?
Yes, you can leave out the walnuts or pecans for a classic cranberry sauce texture.
Are the raisins mandatory?
No, the raisins are optional and can be omitted based on your personal preference.
When should I add the nuts and raisins?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the chopped nuts and raisins.
How do I achieve a thicker, jelly-like consistency?
Cook the mixture longer over low heat for approximately 30 to 45 minutes to reduce the liquid further.
How should I serve this cranberry conserve?
It can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
What dishes pair well with this conserve?
It is an excellent accompaniment to roasted fowl and various pork dishes.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains about 4g of fat.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
The recipe is very low in sodium, containing only 1mg per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this conserve contain protein?
Yes, it contains a small amount of protein, specifically 0.6g per serving.
What is the purpose of the apple in this recipe?
The apple adds heartiness and incorporates into the mixture to enhance the texture and seasonal flavor.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of sugar.
Do I use only the juice of the citrus fruits?
No, you should use both the zest and the juice of the orange and the lemon.
Is it necessary to stir the mixture frequently?
Yes, you should stir constantly during the second phase of cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
What should the apple pieces look like when finished?
By the end of the cooking process, the apple pieces should be almost invisible as they incorporate into the conserve.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either chopped walnuts or pecans.
How much water is needed?
You will need 1 cup of water for the initial cooking phase.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as a treasured family recipe that has been refined over many years.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The conserve features a delightful blend of sweet and tart holiday flavors.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is also highly versatile.