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Zesty Cranberry Sauce with Orange, Pineapple, and Pecans Recipe

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3.9 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Zesty Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant and tangy Thanksgiving classic that combines finely ground cranberries and orange peel with a sweet, citrusy gelatin base. Enhanced with crushed pineapple, celery, and pecans, it offers a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and texture. Ideal for holiday feasts, this chilled sauce adds flavor and festivity to your table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound cranberries, finely ground
  • 1 orange with peel, finely ground
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 3 ounces lemon-flavored gelatin mix
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 8 ounces crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare The Cranberry-Orange Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely ground cranberries with the finely ground orange, including its peel. Stir well to integrate the citrus flavors evenly.
  2. Sweeten The Mix: Add 2 cups of white sugar to the cranberry-orange mixture, mixing thoroughly until the sugar is fully incorporated.
  3. Let It Stand: Allow the cranberry and orange mixture to sit for approximately 2 hours. This resting period lets the sugar dissolve completely and allows flavors to meld harmoniously.
  4. Prepare the Gelatin: In a separate bowl, boil 1 cup of water. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately stir in 3 ounces of lemon-flavored gelatin mix until it dissolves completely.
  5. Introduce Additional Flavors: Add the drained crushed pineapple, chopped celery, and pecans into the dissolved gelatin mixture. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the gelatin base.
  6. Combine Mixtures: Slowly fold the cranberry-orange mixture into the gelatin blend. Mix gently but thoroughly to create a uniform consistency without breaking the fruit bits.
  7. Set The Sauce: Pour the combined mixture into a serving container or mold, depending on your preferred presentation. Smooth the top for a neat finish if desired.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly and develop the ideal consistency for serving.
  9. Serve: Once chilled and set, remove the sauce from the mold by inverting it onto a serving plate, or serve directly from the container. Enjoy chilled as a refreshing and zesty complement to your Thanksgiving meal.

Notes

  • Finely grinding the cranberries and orange ensures a smooth texture and enhances the release of natural juices.
  • Draining the crushed pineapple prevents excess liquid, ensuring the sauce sets properly.
  • Allowing the mixture to sit before adding gelatin mellows the tartness and softens the fruit.
  • This sauce can be made a day in advance for best flavor integration.
  • Variations can include adding chopped dried fruits or different nuts for added texture.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 5 days for freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/zesty-cranberry-sauce-with-orange-pineapple-and-pecans-recipe/