Cranberry Orange Tangy Relish (Printable)

A bright, tangy blend of fresh cranberries and orange, perfect as a flavorful holiday side or accompaniment.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruits

01 - 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
02 - 1 large orange, unpeeled, washed, quartered, seeds removed

→ Sweetener

03 - ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

→ Optional Add-ins

04 - 1 small apple, cored and chopped
05 - ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

# How-to Steps:

01 - Place cranberries and orange quarters with peel into a food processor.
02 - Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped but not pureed, scraping down sides as needed.
03 - Add granulated sugar and pulse again to blend; taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if preferred.
04 - If using, add chopped apple and nuts; pulse briefly to combine evenly.
05 - Transfer mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Present chilled as a bright accompaniment to meats or as a side condiment.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • It comes together in less than fifteen minutes, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your guests instead of being trapped in the kitchen
  • The bright citrus and cranberry tang cuts through rich roasted meats like nothing else can, making every bite taste even better
  • Once you taste how the flavors deepen after sitting in the fridge, you'll understand why people ask you to bring it to every potluck
02 -
  • Don't over-process it into a puree—you'll lose the beautiful texture and it'll feel more like sauce. The chunky texture is what makes this relish special and prevents it from feeling heavy
  • The orange peel really does need to stay in there. I learned this the hard way by trying to peel it first, and the result was one-dimensional. The peel adds a complexity that makes people ask what's in it
03 -
  • Pulse, don't blend—the food processor is your friend, but it can turn everything into mush if you're not paying attention. Short bursts give you control and texture
  • Taste constantly as you add sugar. Your preference matters more than any recipe, and adjusting as you go takes two seconds but saves disappointment later

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