What other fruit is made into sauce, juice, chutney, relish…and is equally delicious served alongside chicken or in a chocolate cake? Not only are cranberries one of the few fruits native to the U.S., they’re also amongst our most-consumed. I like to slip them into baked goods: pumpkin bread, blueberry muffins, and brownies become even more delightful when you add fresh cranberries that pop in your mouth. Dried cranberries are a welcome addition to salad (I prefer them over raisins) and trail mixes; combining dried cranberries with almonds makes a quick and healthy snack. Just be sure to choose cranberries that haven’t been sweetened with corn syrup. (Since cranberries are very tart on their own, most dried varieties are sweetened with a little bit of sugar.)
Cranberries are a familiar sight on the Thanksgiving table, whether served as a sauce or a relish. They also pair well with chicken and pork. Chutneys made with nuts–like the one below–are particularly tasty with a sharp, full-flavored cheese like Cheddar or Gouda. Whether you use pears or apples in this recipe is up to you!
Cranberry-Pecan Chutney
Cranberry-Pecan Chutney
Serves four as a side side; recipe is easily doubled or tripled.
Place in a medium pot over medium heat:
1 cup whole cranberries (can be fresh or frozen)
2 large Bosc pears OR 2 large firm-fleshed apples (such as Gala or Fuji)
scant 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1″ piece of ginger root, bark trimmed off and ginger cut into four pieces (you may want to poke a toothpick through each piece so it’s easier to remove before serving)
1 cinnamon stick
1 clove
Bring pot to a boil, stirring occasionally. As soon as the mixture reaches a boil, turn heat down to low and simmer mixture for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in: 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Remove ginger pieces right before serving. (Note: this keeps well in the refrigerator, so feel free to increase the recipe.)
Optional: Stir in 2 chopped dates OR 1/4 cup raisins OR 1/4 cup dried cranberries when you add the nuts.
Enjoy!
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Tags: chutney, cranberries, dried, pecans, relish, salad, sauce, snacks
Wow, awesome picture…what’s all that white stuff? I’d call and ask, but my AC is making too much noise. I’ll have to call later when it cools down outside. ;o)
I love San Diego Dave! Where’s he been? No new comments lately….