Cranberry Preserve Recipe to accompany turkey
Hello! Today we are going to prepare a delicious cranberry preserve that will be the perfect accompaniment for your turkey. This recipe provides a sweet flavor with a tart touch that enhances any meat dish, especially turkey, making every bite an experience. Furthermore, it is a simple option that you can make at home practically and without complications.
Preparation time
With this cranberry preserve, you can enjoy a fresh and homemade flavor in a few minutes.
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 16 minutes
- Total: 26 minutes
- Servings: 4 to 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the cranberry preserve
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
- 1 cup of peeled and diced apple
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Zest of an orange
Note: If you don't have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. You can also substitute apple with pear for a different touch, although the flavor and texture will change slightly.
Utensils we will use
- Medium pot
- Skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Container for storing the preserve
- Grater
Preparation
1. Prepare the ingredients
- Wash and peel the apples under the tap to remove any dirt. Then, cut them into small cubes of approximately 1 cm to facilitate cooking.
- Clean the cranberries by removing any stems or damaged cranberries, and rinse them gently so they remain whole.
2. Cook the preserve
- Combine ingredients In a pan over low heat, add the cranberries, apple, and sugar. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the sugar dissolves properly.
- Mash and add water Using the back of a spoon, gently press the cranberries and apple so they begin to release their juice but without completely disintegrating them. Add the water and increase the heat to medium for 5 more minutes so the mixture thickens slightly.
- Season Add cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of black pepper to taste. Stir well and let cook for another 3 minutes to integrate flavors.
- Finish Finally, incorporate the orange zest, stir, and turn off the heat immediately to maintain the fresh aroma of the orange.
To finish and serve
Let the preserve cool to room temperature before transferring it to a clean container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months. When serving, warm it slightly if desired and correct the consistency with a little warm water if it is too thick. This preserve is ideal for accompanying turkey, but it also enhances other meats or even desserts like cheesecake o white chocolate cranberry cookies.
I want to share these tips with you
- Select fresh cranberries: for better texture and flavor, choose firm, unbruised berries. Reliable brands like La Finestra Sul Cielo o Casa Confitura offer quality products.
- Control the heat: cooking over low heat prevents the mixture from burning and ensures the cranberries release their juices slowly.
- Do not overcook: the preserve should have some body but without losing its freshness. If you boil it too much, you will lose the bright color and acidity.
- Texture management: if you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it more; if you like it with chunks, only mash partially.
- Correct storage: refrigerate in clean, dry jars to maintain preservation without developing mold.
Approximate Nutritional Information per serving
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Proteins: 0.5 g
- Fats: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used and portions served.
5 keys to make it perfect
- Use fresh fruit: the quality of the cranberries and apples is decisive for the final flavor and texture.
- Measure sugar precisely: you will prevent the preserve from being too sweet or too bland.
- Respect cooking times: each stage enhances the ideal flavor and texture.
- Use fresh orange zest: adds a citrus aroma that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
- Package in clean, airtight jars: to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
When is it ideal to enjoy it?
Cranberry preserve is the ideal companion for seasonal dinners, especially for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its acidity and sweetness combine perfectly with turkey, balancing its flavor and providing that special touch that transforms a family meal into a special memory. It is also perfect on occasions where a different side dish is sought for red meats or even to accompany breakfasts and homemade desserts at informal gatherings or home celebrations.
Comparative table with other similar recipes
| Recipe | Key ingredients | Difference/advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey | Cranberries, apple, cinnamon | Perfect balance of sweetness and acidity for turkey |
| Classic cranberry sauce | Cranberries, sugar, orange juice | More liquid, ideal for those who prefer a smooth texture |
| Pork loin stuffed pork with apple and cranberries | Apple, cranberries, pork | Incorporates the fruit into the stuffing, distinct texture and flavor |
| Cranberry and orange compote | Cranberries, orange, sugar | More citrusy flavor and focused on desserts |
| Antioxidant smoothie | Cranberries, spinach, banana | Use in healthy drink, not as a meat accompaniment |
| Salad of wild rice with cranberries | Cranberries, wild rice, walnuts | Cold dish, ideal for summer |
| Almond cake with cranberries | Almond, cranberries, flour | Sweet use, does not accompany savory dishes |
Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Cranberry Preserve To Accompany Turkey: step-by-step recipe crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.
Type: Recipe
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: preserve, cranberries, for, accompanying, turkey, Italian, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 200 kcal
Preparation Time: PT15M
Cooking Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 350 gr. of fresh cranberries, preferably Southern Cranberries or Fruit from my Land
- 1 cup of water
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- 1 whole orange without seeds and cut into small cubes, preferably from Santa Rosa or Casa Borrás
- 1 cup of peeled and diced apple, of varieties like Fuji or Gala
- 1 peeled and diced pear, ideally from Campo Sur
- 1 cup of golden raisins, preferably from Conservas Cachopo
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup of chopped and toasted walnuts, if you want a crunchy touch
Recipe Instructions:
Choose fresh cranberries at their optimal ripeness :
Use citrus complements and spices :
Control the cooking :
Include complementary ingredients :
Pay attention to the texture :
Package in sterilized jars :
Include decorative touches :
Choose fresh ingredients from a reliable source :
Disinfect jars and lids :
Control the cooking :
Store in a cool, dark place:
4.8


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I tried this ‘Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey’ today. I prepared it yesterday and it was spectacular.