Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
No Cook Time Required!
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium orange, unpeeled, seeds removed, and cut into chunks
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice kick)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Chop It Up:
- In a food processor, combine the cranberries and orange chunks (yes, peel included—trust the process!). Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Sweeten the Deal:
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the sugar, honey or maple syrup (if using), and cinnamon. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Stir in the chopped nuts for added texture, if desired.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the relish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Enjoy the Zing:
- Serve cold or at room temperature alongside turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or yogurt.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use a sweet orange like navel or Cara Cara for a balanced flavor.
- Let the relish rest for at least an hour—overnight is even better for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment! Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange juice for an extra citrus kick.
DON’T:
- Overprocess the mixture; you want small bits, not a smoothie.
- Skip the sugar entirely—cranberries are naturally tart and need a sweet balance.
- Forget to taste and adjust—it’s all about personal preference!
Serving Ideas:
- Classic: Pair with roasted turkey or chicken.
- Creative: Spread on sandwiches (hello, next-day Thanksgiving panini!).
- Sweet Treat: Dollop over vanilla ice cream or pound cake.
This cranberry-orange relish is the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and zesty. It’s ridiculously easy to make and will add a burst of color and flavor to your table. Plus, no cooking means one less thing to worry about! 🍊🍇
