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Fresh Cranberry Relish is part of the Thanksgiving tradition in our home. Toss aside the can of cranberry sauce jello and try something new and fresh this Thanksgiving. Personally, I prefer it when some of the cranberries remain whole. I like my cranberry relish with some substance. I love it when the orange zest adds that layer of brightness in contrast with the bitter cranberry. Using raw honey in place of sugar adds depth to the flavor and rounds out the relish. Pairing the right honey is simple. Use Autumn, Buckwheat or Sourwood to perfectly compliment the tartness of the cranberries.
Ever wonder who popularized cranberries at Thanksgiving time? While there is no photographic proof (Instagram wasn’t yet invented in the 1600s) it is told that cranberries grew wild in the northeast and pacific northwest and the Native American people used cranberry to add healthy sustenance to a holiday gathering. They also used cranberries to make dye for rugs and blankets.
Our new limited edition Cranberry Honey would taste delicious in this recipe!
Cranberry Relish is easy to make and you can plan ahead making it a night or two early. Store in an air-tight container for up to a week. The citrus acts as a natural preservative. Really though, cranberries are so easy to cook down that it doesn’t add much hassle to make the relish the day of.
What is Cranberry Relish?
Cranberry relish is a delightful, sweet, and tangy condiment made from fresh or frozen cranberries, often combined with other fruits like apples and oranges, and sweetened with sugar or honey. Unlike the more familiar cooked cranberry sauce, cranberry relish is made with raw ingredients, giving it a coarser texture and a bright, refreshing flavor. This makes it a perfect accompaniment to savory dishes, especially during the holiday season when it shines at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The raw preparation preserves the natural tartness of the cranberries, creating a vibrant contrast to the other rich and hearty dishes on the table.
Key Ingredients
The magic of cranberry relish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The star of the show, cranberries provide that signature tart flavor. Whether you use fresh or frozen cranberries, they bring a burst of color and taste to the relish. In this recipe, we use fresh cranberries.
- Apples: Chopped apples add a natural sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
- Oranges: Both the peel and juice of oranges contribute a zesty citrus note that brightens up the relish. The orange zest, in particular, adds a fragrant aroma.
- Sugar: To counterbalance the tart cranberries, a sweetener is essential. You can use granulated white sugar, brown sugar, or even honey for a more complex flavor. Of course, we choose honey!
- Optional Ingredients: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans. A bit of orange zest can also enhance the citrusy profile of the relish.
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a standout on any holiday table.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Apple Relish with Honey
For this delicious cranberry orange relish with apple and honey, you’ll need to start off by making sure you have all of your ingredients. Here’s a list to make your shopping a little easier:
- Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped apple
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Salt
- Cinnamon and cloves, ground
- Fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- Filtered water
- Oranges, zested and juiced
One: Combine Ingredients in Food Processor
In a food processor, combine the apple, honey, apple cider vinegar, fresh grated ginger, salt, orange juice, and ground cinnamon and cloves. Pulse the food processor until coarsely chopped.
Two: Boil Fresh Cranberries
Fill a pot with the filtered water and add the fresh cranberries. Boil the fresh cranberries in the water until they pop. This should take about 10 minutes. Place on low heat after popping.
Three: Combine Ingredients in Pot
Add the ingredients from the food processor into the cooked cranberry sauce and mix. Allow everything to warm over low heat for a few minutes.
Four: Cool & Serve
Remove the cranberry relish from the heat and garnish it with the zest from the orange peel. Allow it to cool, and refrigerate before serving.
Using Frozen Cranberries
If fresh cranberries are out of season or hard to find, frozen cranberries are a fantastic alternative. They are just as nutritious and can be used in the same quantity as fresh cranberries. To use frozen cranberries in your relish, simply thaw them and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to your recipe. Keep in mind that frozen cranberries might be a bit softer and more prone to breaking down during processing, but they will still deliver that wonderful tart flavor and vibrant color.
Cranberry Relish vs. Cranberry Sauce
While both cranberry relish and cranberry sauce are beloved holiday condiments, they have distinct differences. Cranberry sauce is cooked, resulting in a smooth, gelatinous texture that’s sweet and syrupy. In contrast, cranberry relish is made with raw ingredients, giving it a coarser texture and a fresher, more tart taste. The raw preparation of cranberry relish preserves the natural flavors of the ingredients, making it a bright and refreshing addition to any meal. Whether you prefer the smoothness of cranberry sauce or the vibrant crunch of cranberry relish, both have their unique place at the holiday table.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry relish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Holiday Side Dish: Serve it alongside your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner to complement the savory flavors of turkey, stuffing, and other traditional dishes.
- Breakfast Topping: Add a spoonful to your yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes for a burst of flavor and color.
- Snack Spread: Spread it on crackers with cream cheese or goat cheese for a quick and delicious snack.
- Sandwich Addition: Use it as a flavorful topping for sandwiches, especially leftover turkey sandwiches, to add a tangy twist.
- Salad Topping: Sprinkle it over salads or serve it as a side dish with roasted meats for a refreshing contrast.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy cranberry relish in a variety of ways, making it a staple in your kitchen beyond the holiday season.
Adapting our Honey Cranberry Relish
How do you like your cranberry sauce? A little sweeter, or tangier? Feel free to change it up! Call your inner chef out to play and mix up this recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Use lemons and limes and grapefruit (mix it up to your liking).
- Add chopped walnuts for more texture.
- Make a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich the day after turkey day. Serve this relish on a turkey sandwich with stuffing, and sauerkraut on brioche.
If you make a batch of this Honey Cranberry Relish, take a picture and tag it with #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
