Thanksgiving is upon us.  This recipe has layers of flavor and texture and has become a family favorite – at least among the family members who aren't die-hard canned jellied cranberry sauce fans.  The recipe below is as-printed and was clipped from the Florida Today newspaper many years ago.  I follow it with some of the modifications I've made over the years.

12 oz. raw cranberries

1 ½ cups granulated sugar*

1 orange, peeled, seeded, coarsely chopped

1 medium onion, minced

4 dried figs, coarsely chopped

1 T. fresh ginger, minced or 1 t. dried ginger

½ t. salt

½ t. ground cinnamon

½ t. dried mustard

¼ t. ground black pepper

1 T. apple cider vinegar

¼ c. water

Put all the ingredients into a stainless-steel saucepot, bring to a boil and cook until cranberries pop.  Lower the heat and simmer 4-5 minutes.  Cool and serve with turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb.

*I usually cut the sugar by about half and have also made it using stevia (the granular type that replaces sugar at a 1:1 ratio).  There is some change in texture, but the recipe has enough going on flavor-wise to mask the change in taste.  When I reduce the sweetener, I also add additional figs and some raisins (not in the original recipe) which contribute sweetness as well as texture.  I've taken to using the zest from the orange (why waste it?) and waiting to add the orange pieces until after the cooking period to preserve its texture.

This recipe can be easily doubled for a large group and also freezes well if you want to get a jump on holiday cooking. Canning jars with a plastic lid closure, food grade plastic freezer containers, or zipper-top freezer bags can be used.  Be sure to leave sufficient headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing (containers with a wide top opening – pint ½ inch, quart 1 inch; containers with a narrow top opening – pint ¾ inch, quart 1 ½ inch).  Use within 8-12 months for best quality. 

I always welcome leftovers and love to use it for a topping on pancakes with Greek yogurt.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!!