This old-fashioned cranberry jelly recipe is a timeless favorite from holiday gatherings and festive fall meals. Passed down through generations, it's made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and water, simple ingredients that transform into a jewel-toned, tangy-sweet jelly perfect for turkey dinners or spreading on toast. The technique reflects traditional jelly-making methods, offering a nostalgic taste of homemade comfort. Whether served at Thanksgiving or preserved for winter, this cranberry jelly adds a bright, flavorful touch to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberries
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Wash and Boil Cranberries
- Wash 4 cups of cranberries.
- Add 2 cups of boiling water.
- Boil for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Strain and Cook
- Rub cranberries through a sieve to remove skins.
- Return the strained mixture to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Finish Cooking
- Add 2 cups of sugar to the mixture.
- Cook for 3 more minutes until sugar is fully dissolved and jelly thickens.
Tips
- Add a splash of orange juice for brightness.
- Stir in orange zest for a more aromatic finish.
- Replace part of the sugar with honey for a softer sweetness.
- Strain twice for an ultra-smooth jelly.
- Add a cinnamon stick during boiling for a warm spice note.
- Mix in apple juice for a sweeter, milder jelly.
- Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove all skins and seeds easily.
- Cook longer for a firmer set; shorter for a softer spread.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance cranberry flavor.
- Stir in a bit of vanilla after cooking for a dessert-like twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 28gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 20mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.2mg
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