Get ready to elevate your holiday table with a cranberry relish so delicious, it'll have your guests begging for the recipe! Grandma Sue's legendary Cranberry Walnut Relish is more than just a condiment – it's a burst of tangy, sweet, and nutty perfection that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Imagine a vibrant, fresh relish that dances between tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, with a hint of citrusy brightness that will make your taste buds sing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or blemished berries, discarding them as you go.
- In a food processor, add the rinsed cranberries. Pulse them a few times until they are coarsely chopped. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture in the relish.
- Transfer the chopped cranberries to a mixing bowl. Add the sugar to the bowl and stir well to combine. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the cranberries.
- While the cranberries are resting, chop the walnuts into small pieces if they are not already chopped. You can lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes if you prefer a nuttier flavor.
- After the cranberries have rested, add the chopped walnuts to the bowl along with the orange juice and lemon juice. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Let the relish sit for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if necessary by adding more sugar or lemon juice, depending on your preference.
- Transfer the cranberry walnut relish to a serving dish or airtight container. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for a few hours to enhance the flavors further. It can be made a day in advance for best results.
- Serve Grandma Sue's Cranberry Walnut Relish chilled or at room temperature as a delightful accompaniment to your holiday meals, sandwiches, or as a topping for desserts.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cranberries: Always select plump, firm cranberries with a deep red color for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't Over-Process: When chopping cranberries, pulse gently to maintain a chunky texture – you want some berry bits for that homemade feel!
- Toast Your Walnuts: Taking an extra minute to lightly toast the walnuts will enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the relish.
- Balance is Key: Taste and adjust the sweetness. Some cranberries are more tart than others, so you might need to tweak the sugar slightly.
- Make Ahead: This relish actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Pro tip: make it a day in advance for maximum flavor!
- Serving Suggestions: While perfect for Thanksgiving, this relish is versatile – try it on sandwiches, as a topping for yogurt, or even as a unique dessert accompaniment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
