The holidays are a time for family, laughter, and, let’s be honest, food that makes your taste buds do the happy dance. Imagine a zesty explosion of flavors with every bite of our Zesty Orange Zest Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays. Honey Orange Glazed Pork Chops This vibrant dish is not just a feast for the eyes but a delightful palate-pleaser that adds a refreshing twist to any holiday table. Zesty Orange Ginger Salmon. For more inspiration, check out this explore more holiday recipes recipe.
Picture this: the tangy aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with sweet orange zest wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this relish. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family gatherings, where someone inevitably asks for seconds (or thirds) because they just can’t get enough. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your guests!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This zesty orange zest cranberry relish recipe is quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday prep
- The balance of tart cranberries and sweet oranges creates an irresistible flavor profile everyone will love
- Its vibrant colors brighten any holiday spread, making it visually appealing on your table
- This versatile relish pairs beautifully with everything from turkey to cheese platters or even as a topping for desserts
Sharing this relish at family gatherings always ends with cheers from my kids, who can’t resist its tangy sweetness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; avoid any squishy ones. Fresh is best for flavor and texture.
- Orange Zest: Use organic oranges if possible; their zest packs in more flavor without pesticides.
- Granulated Sugar: Adjust the sweetness based on your taste preference; it’s easy to add more later. For more inspiration, check out this easy healthy recipes recipe.
- Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that adds depth; I love using Ceylon cinnamon for a more delicate flavor.
- Water: Simple yet essential! It helps cook down the cranberries into a luscious sauce.
- Pine Nuts (optional): Toast them slightly beforehand for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the relish well.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing 12 ounces of fresh cranberries under cold water. Discard any damaged berries or stems that may have sneaked in.
Zest That Orange!: Grate the zest off one large orange using a microplane or zester until you have about two tablespoons. The aroma will instantly brighten your day!
Cook Those Berries: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and orange zest. Stir gently while waiting for the mixture to come to a boil.
Add Spice!: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Let it simmer until most cranberries burst—about 10 minutes—creating a chunky yet smooth consistency.
Cool It Down!: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will allow flavors to meld beautifully!
Serve & Enjoy!: Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your holiday dishes or use as an unexpected topping on desserts like vanilla ice cream or cheesecake.
With each step, you’ll see how simple it is to create something so festive and delicious! Enjoy every moment in the kitchen as you bring this zesty orange zest cranberry relish recipe for holidays to life—your taste buds will thank you! Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey.
You Must Know
- This Zesty Orange Zest Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays is a delightful twist on traditional cranberry sauce
- The vibrant flavors make it a festive must-have, while the zesty aroma will have your guests asking for seconds
- Perfectly complements turkey, ham, or even a cheese platter
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create this relish efficiently, zest and juice the oranges first, then combine with cranberries and sugar in a pot before simmering.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to enhance this recipe by adding chopped apples or walnuts for texture or experimenting with spices like cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store your relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove if you prefer it warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor balance, use fresh cranberries and high-quality orange juice
- Don’t skip the zest; it adds incredible brightness
- Always taste and adjust sweetness according to your preference for a personalized touch
The first time I made this relish was for Thanksgiving dinner, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it! Now it’s a holiday staple that everyone eagerly anticipates.
FAQ
Can I make this relish ahead of time?
Yes, this Zesty Orange Zest Cranberry Relish Recipe for Holidays can be prepared up to two weeks in advance. Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake.
What can I serve this relish with?
This flavorful relish pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, and even cheese platters during holidays.
How long can I store leftover relish?
Store leftover relish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Zesty Orange Zest Cranberry Relish
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Zesty Orange Zest Cranberry Relish is a vibrant and refreshing addition to your holiday table. Bursting with the tangy flavor of fresh cranberries and the sweet aroma of orange zest, this relish is quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Perfectly balancing tartness and sweetness, it complements everything from turkey to cheese platters. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free holiday feast, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- Zest of 1 large organic orange
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries under cold water and discard damaged ones.
- Grate the zest off the orange until you have about two tablespoons.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, add cinnamon, and simmer for about 10 minutes until most cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat, let cool completely, and transfer to an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg