Vibrant Tangy Cranberry Spread (Printable)

Bright and tangy cranberry spread ideal for toast, meats, or adding a festive touch.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fruits

01 - 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

→ Sweeteners

02 - 1 cup granulated sugar

→ Liquids

03 - 1 cup water

→ Flavorings

04 - 1 strip orange zest (optional)
05 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

# How to Make:

01 - Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any soft or bruised berries.
02 - Place cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest (if using) into a medium saucepan.
03 - Heat mixture over medium-high, stirring occasionally until cranberries pop, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened slightly.
05 - Remove from heat and incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice.
06 - For a smooth jelly, press mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding solids; otherwise leave as is for chunkier consistency.
07 - Transfer jelly into a clean jar or mold, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
08 - Serve the jelly chilled as a condiment or spread.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in under an hour, including chilling time, which means you can make it on a weeknight and have it ready for the weekend.
  • The balance of tart and sweet is genuinely addictive—it doesn't overpower a plate the way store-bought versions sometimes do.
  • One batch yields enough to share, give as gifts, or keep in your fridge for unexpected moments when you need something bright and festive.
02 -
  • The jelly will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't panic if it looks too loose when you pull it off the heat—trust the process.
  • If you want it firmer, add 1 teaspoon of powdered fruit pectin mixed with the sugar at the start, but honestly, the natural pectin in cranberries usually does enough work on its own.
  • Always let it cool completely before refrigerating, or the temperature shock can mess with how it sets.
03 -
  • Keep a few jars on hand for unexpected dinner guests—it makes your table look immediately thoughtful and homemade.
  • If your jelly doesn't set firmly enough, you can always soften it gently and cook it down a few minutes longer, then rechill.

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