Cranberry Chutney

One of my most favorite recipes for the Thanksgiving table.  Homemade Cranberry Chutney! Just listen to those cranberries popping as they cook.  It is also great with a pork roast, or on a turkey sandwich.  Enjoy!

Cranberry Chutney

1 C water
1 C sugar
4 cloves
1 t cinnamon
1/2 C chopped onion
1/2 clove garlic
1/2 t salt
1/4 C vinegar
dash of cayenne
Simmer for 5 minutes, then add:
1/2 C raisens, 1/2 C dates, 1/4 C diced preserved ginger, 1/4 C brown sugar, 2 C cranberries
Cook until all cranberries POP open
Makes 1-1/2 pints

Cranberry Cordial for the Holidays

Jamie’s Cranberry Cordial

2 cups sugar
2 cups of inexpensive Vodka
4 cups of fresh cranberries
6 whole cloves
1 strip of orange peel

Mix sugar and vodka in a non-metallic container - add cloves and orange peel and stir together. 

Chop cranberries in a food processor and mix into sugar mixture.  Makes 1 quart.  I usually triple the recipe to make a large batch.  Cover and let it sit on the kitchen counter for a few weeks, stirring it occasionally, every few days.

When finished soaking together, strain through a sieve and pour into bottles or jars and give as gifts to friends and family.  It is a very festive hostess gift.  The cordial can be added to champagne for a colorful holiday cocktail, or you can make martinis with it.  I think it’s delightful in a cup of peppermint tea to warm you up on a cold night.

Okay, now you’re looking at those leftovers, the cranberries soaked in vodka - what to do with them.  I’ve used them in a cake or cranberry bread.  Cheers!  I haven't bottled this patch yet, so there is no picture of the end result.  Should be good for at least 6 months, and just leave it on the counter, but not in direct sunlight.  Cheers to you!