Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Festive Cranberry Orange Relish is just so easy to make with readily available ingredients. It makes a great gift this time of year.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but before we head into the dead of winter lets take one last look at autumn. The view from Will's Bench in the fall is glorious. It is the best time of year to visit New England.
Who doesn't like rainbows and pine forests? I can't help but think of my son when I see the sun shining colorfully on the water. He's out there, casting a line and simply enjoying himself. I can almost see him. The scent of pine still lingers on his sweatshirt.
And to the person who always leaves flowers: I wish you peace and hope, especially during this holiday season. Thank you.
Whew! I feel much better now that I have put the fall season behind us. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy the Christmas season. Though I miss William terribly, I rejoice in the fact that I had his bright light in my life for 23 years. I feel so lucky to have loved such a son. Many others in my life continue to love and honor him, too. William truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Do you love a homemade gift as much as I do? Nothing beats a gift from the heart. When someone makes something by hand, they give you their precious time. You can't buy that; it's priceless.
I created this recipe for festive cranberry orange relish because I felt guilty about simply opening a jar or can of sauce for Thanksgiving. Since I was pressed for time, I assumed no one would care about the cranberry sauce anyway.
However, the thought of skipping a homemade dish for such a special event got the best of me. Thankfully, I finished it. My guests practically licked the jar of cran-apple citrus relish clean. My daughter announced it was the best cranberry sauce she had ever eaten and asked for more. I made another batch, and you should, too.
Cranberry Orange Relish
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 12 oz bag fresh cranberries
- 1 medium-size orange or meyer lemon grated zest and juice
- 1 large honey crisp apple peeled, grated
- ½ cup honey
- pinch of Alaskan alder smoked salt or finishing salt of your choice
- ½ cup toasted chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- In medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cranberries, orange zest and juice, apple and half the honey; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring mixture occasionally, pressing cranberries with the back of your spoon against the side of the pan insuring all have popped.
- Taste and add additional honey to your desired sweetness. (I use the whole half-cup if using the Meyer lemon instead of an orange).
- Simmer until the mixture is thickened. Cool.
- Stir in salt and pecans, if desired.
Jersey Girl Cooks says
What a beautiful tribute to your son! I did not start making cranberry sauce until just a few years ago. I add orange to mine but will have to try this recipe with apples and pecans.
Lisa says
orange is a wonderful addition--This recipe is delicious with roasted turkey, chicken or pork
Jessie says
your pictures are so lovely! do you boil these or just seal them out of water bath?
Lisa says
I did not water bath them and recommend storing in the refrigerator
Cathy says
Amen, Friend...💝
Martine Fusco says
What a peaceful and tranquil spot for Will's bench. Is that in a public park for others to visit. I would love to go there.
Lisa says
Yes, Martine. The bench is located at the Lake Elise nature preserve in Middlbury, CT. It is off route 64 (Main St. in Middlebury) at Judd Hill Rd. (near the Police Station and Meadowview Park). On a nice day it is a great walk around the lake.
Pamels Shank says
Beautiful post and pictures. You are amazing xoxoxo
Lisa says
Thank you. It is all I can do to celebrate him and never forget him.
Nancy says
Your photographs in this post knocked my socks off. Gorgeous! The view from William's bench is breathtaking. Glad you are enjoying celebrating the holiday season.
Lisa says
Thank you, Nancy. There isn't a single view from the bench that isn't spectacular no matter what time of year. I am a work in progress with the photography.
Carol says
Love this post Lisa! That rainbow picture is amazing. I actually made some homemade cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving...(say whaaaaat???) the recipe is similar to yours and it was delicious! I'm going to try your version though, love it has apple and honey in it!
Lisa says
I bet you made some awesome sauce
Krista says
What amazing pictures. Living in New England, I can imagine that view is beautiful during any season.
I made the cranberry sauce and spooned a little over baked Brie bites when we had a few friends come by. Cooking kept me busy and focused yesterday. I dreaded having company, but also was looking forward to seeing people as I've felt so isolated lately. It's been hard trying to give my kids some sense of normal, especially at Christmas, since Aidan died. They were happy to have friends here.
Lisa says
So happy you tried the cranberry sauce. I love to melt brie in those little ready made phyllo cups and top with fig jam, but I will try the cranberry next time. This is the hardest time. My first Christmas without William--I had to leave the house and celebrate the holiday elsewhere. It gets better.