Cranberry Walnut Conserve Recipes

HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE ("CRANBERRY FRUIT CONSERVE")

Steps:

• Cook the cranberries, sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the skins pop open.
• Add the apple, zests and juices and let cook for 15 more minutes.
• Remove from heat and add the raisins and nuts.
• Let cool, and serve chilled.

CRANBERRY WALNUT JAM

Steps:

• Wash jars and screw bands in the dishwasher on the 'hot water' or 'sterilize' cycle and heated dry cycle. Leave them in there until ready to use so they stay heated which reduces the chance of jars cracking when you add the hot jam. Alternatively you can wash them in hot, soapy water and then fill each with clean hot water to keep them warm while you are making the jam.
• Fill a heavy bottomed stock pot or canner about half-full with water and bring to simmer.
• Put lids in a small saucepan and bring to a 'near boil' for about 5 minutes to get them gummy for sticking. Let stand in hot water until ready to use.
• Place cranberries, juice and water in a large saucepot. Bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to low; add orange zest, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
• Stir in toasted walnuts.
• Stir pectin into the 1/2 cup sugar you set aside. Stir this into the fruit/walnut mix. This reduces clumping and it seems to mix better.
• Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. This can take 5-10 minutes.
• Quickly stir in the rest of the sugar.
• Return to full rolling boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
• Time to test the jell: I like to keep a metal spoon in a glass of ice water on the counter, or you could keep one in the freezer. Put about half a spoonful of jam on it and let it cool to room temperature. If it is the consistency you want, move on to the next step. If it is too runny, you can add a bit more pectin (1/4 to 1/2 a box) and bring back up to a boil for 1 more minute before canning.
• Carefully ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, (a funnel would be a big help) filling to within 1/4 inch of tops.
• Wipe jar rims and threads clean. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly but not with all your strength.
• Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. If you do not have a rack, simply place a tea towel in the bottom of the pot to keep the jars from rattling and lower each jar individually using your tongs or jar tongs.
• Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches; add more boiling water if needed. I like to bring my teapot to a boil and then let sit on low so hot water is readily available.
• Cover; bring water to gentle boil and set your timer for 10 minutes. (See below for other altitudes.) Do not overprocess as this can lead to runny and discolored jam.
• Remove jars carefully with tongs or jar tongs and place upright on a towel in a place they won't be bumped to completely cool. I usually let mine sit overnight.
• After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. If the lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.
• According to the National Center for Home Preservation, homemade jams and jellies that have been processed in a canner for the recommended time, should retain best quality and flavor for up to one year. All home-canned foods should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place, between 50-70°F
• Once opened, jam should be kept in the refrigerator where it is good for 1-3 months. Just watch for any signs of mold or other nasties.
• If your walnuts were not purchased toasted, I highly recommend you take a moment to toast them yourself. Here are three ways it can be done: OVEN: Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently. MICROWAVE: Spread walnuts in a single layer in a microwave safe plate. Microwave on HIGH for 5-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. STOVE TOP: Cook walnuts in a dry skillet on MEDIUM HIGH heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• At altitudes above 1,000 feet, increase processing time as indicated. 1,001 to 3,000 feet: Increase processing time by 5 minutes. 3,001 to 6,000 feet: Increase processing time by 10 minutes. 6,001 to 8,000 feet: Increase processing time by 15 minutes. 8,001 to 10,000 feet: Increase processing time by 20 minutes.

CRANBERRY FRUIT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Cook the cranberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the skins pop open. Add the apple, zests, and juices and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove from the heat and add the raisins and nuts. Let cool, and serve chilled.

CRANBERRY, APPLE, AND WALNUT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Simmer water, sugar, cinnamon stick, allspice, and half of cranberries (about 5 1/2 cups) in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries just start to pop, about 5 minutes. Add half of remaining cranberries (about 3 cups) and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel and core apples, then cut into 1/4-inch dice. Add to cranberry mixture along with walnuts and remaining cranberries, then simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in Calvados and simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool to warm or room temperature. Discard cinnamon stick.

CRANBERRY-PORT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Combine cranberries, sugar and Port in heavy large saucepan. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low; add chopped orange and simmer until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly, about 15 minutes. Mix in dried currants. Cool cranberry conserve completely. Stir in chopped walnuts. (Cranberry conserve can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.)

CRANBERRY FRUIT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Cook cranberries in water until skins pop.
• add everything except the nuts and cook for 15 minutes.
• remove from heat and add walnuts.
• this will thicken when it cools.
• stores well in the fridge.

CRANBERRY FRUIT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Cook cranberries, sugar and 1 cup water in saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes until the skins pop and the berries are all open and mixture comes to a slow boil. Stir to quicken the process. Add the remaining ingredients except raisins and nuts and cook 15-20 minuets stirring constantly to prevent any burning. Apple pieces should become incorporated into the mixture and become barely visible. Remove from heat and mix in nuts and raisins. Place mixture when cool in serving container and chill. Nuts and raisins can be omitted if desired for a more traditional cranberry blend. For a thicker, jellied consistency cook the mixture longer over low heat to reduce liquid approximately 30-45 minutes - stirring to avoid burning, omit the raisins and nuts for a traditional jelly. Makes approximately 4 cups.

CRANBERRY CONSERVE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, oranges, raisins and water. Cover and simmer over medium heat until cranberries are soft. Add pecans and sugar; stir well. Simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes, stirring often. Cool. Spoon into covered containers. Refrigerate. Serve as a relish with poultry or pork, or spread on biscuits or rolls.