Festive Cranberry-Apple Relish
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 a pine forest? I can’t help but think of my boy when I see the sun shining down on the water in such a colorful way. He’s out there, casting a line just happy to be. I can almost see him. There is a scent of pine still on his sweatshirt.
And to the one who always leaves flowers I wish you peace and hope always, but especially during this holiday season. Thank you.
Whew! I feel much better now that I have put the fall season behind us…and you have to believe that I really do actually enjoy the Christmas season. I miss William terribly, but I have to rejoice in the thought that I had his bright light in my life for 23 years. How lucky am I to have loved such a son. And to have so many in my life who continue to love and honor him, too. William is the gift that keeps on giving.
Do you love a homemade gift as much as I do? Nothing better than a gift from someone’s heart. Homemade means someone has given you their precious time. It can’t be bought. It’s priceless. So, this recipe for cranberry-apple relish was born because I was feeling guilty about simply opening up a jar or can of cranberry sauce and tossing it on the table at Thanksgiving. Pressed for time I just didn’t think anyone would care about cranberry sauce, but the thought of not doing something homemade for such a special event got the best of me. Thankfully, I got it done. The jar was practically licked clean by my guests and my darling daughter announced it was the best cranberry sauce she had ever eaten and could I make more. So I did and so should you.
Cranberry-Apple Relish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 1/2 cups 1x
Description
a welcome holiday gift
Ingredients
1-cup water
½ cup sugar
1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
1 Meyer lemon or medium-size orange, 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, lemon (or 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.
- Category: holiday
- Method: stovetop
Keywords: cranberry relish, apples, honey, gift, canning
For a nice gift pour into sterilized jars while still hot. Seal and wrap with a decorative ribbon.