Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Gina Whitley
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Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
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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

  1. 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.
  2. Clean the cranberries by removing any stems or damaged cranberries, and rinse them gently so they remain whole.

2. Cook the preserve

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Season Add cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of black pepper to taste. Stir well and let cook for another 3 minutes to integrate flavors.
  4. 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

  1. Use fresh fruit: the quality of the cranberries and apples is decisive for the final flavor and texture.
  2. Measure sugar precisely: you will prevent the preserve from being too sweet or too bland.
  3. Respect cooking times: each stage enhances the ideal flavor and texture.
  4. Use fresh orange zest: adds a citrus aroma that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
  5. 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

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkeyCranberries, apple, cinnamonPerfect balance of sweetness and acidity for turkey
Classic cranberry sauceCranberries, sugar, orange juiceMore liquid, ideal for those who prefer a smooth texture
Pork loin stuffed pork with apple and cranberriesApple, cranberries, porkIncorporates the fruit into the stuffing, distinct texture and flavor
Cranberry and orange compoteCranberries, orange, sugarMore citrusy flavor and focused on desserts
Antioxidant smoothieCranberries, spinach, bananaUse in healthy drink, not as a meat accompaniment
Salad of wild rice with cranberriesCranberries, wild rice, walnutsCold dish, ideal for summer
Almond cake with cranberriesAlmond, cranberries, flourSweet use, does not accompany savory dishes
Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey
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:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Cooking: :

Cooking: 20 minutes

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Total: :

Total: 35 minutes

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Servings: :

Servings: 4-6 servings

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Choose fresh cranberries at their optimal ripeness :

Choose fresh blueberries at their optimal ripeness to guarantee vibrant flavor and color in the preserve.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Use citrus complements and spices :

Use citrus complements and spices such as orange zest, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to enhance aromas and flavors.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Control the cooking :

Control the cooking to prevent the mixture from breaking down too much, preserving the character of the fruits.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Include complementary ingredients :

Include complementary ingredients like apple, pear, or walnuts for varied textures and a more complete profile.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Pay attention to the texture :

Pay attention to the texture through proper cooking, achieving a balance between viscosity and fruit pieces.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Package in sterilized jars :

Package in sterilized jars to extend shelf life, ensuring a safe and quality product.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Include decorative touches :

Include decorative touches, such as a rosemary sprig or orange peel, to present the preserve on a festive and attractive table.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Choose fresh ingredients from a reliable source :

Choose fresh ingredients from a reliable source, such as Southern blueberries or the varieties of Fruit from my Land, to ensure flavor and preservation.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Disinfect jars and lids :

Disinfect jars and lids correctly before packaging to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Control the cooking :

Monitor the cooking by watching the texture, so it doesn't become too runny or too thick, adjusting the time according to the desired consistency.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey

Store in a cool, dark place:

Store in a cool and dark place after cooling, to prolong the intensity of the aromas and the freshness of the product.

Cranberry Preserve to accompany turkey
Editor's Rating:
4.8
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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