Perfect Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve Recipe for Holidays

Cranberry fruit conserve tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant, complex flavor profile that dances between tart and sweet.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple fruits into a sophisticated accompaniment that elevates any meal.

Traditional holiday recipes often feel predictable, but this conserve brings unexpected depth and brightness to the table.

Home cooks seeking a remarkable condiment will find this blend remarkably simple to prepare.

Fresh, zesty elements combine seamlessly, creating a condiment that surprises and delights with each spoonful.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this conserve promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire: prepare to impress.

Why Cranberry Conserve Shines Bright

• Bursting with Seasonal Flavor: This cranberry conserve captures the essence of autumn with its vibrant mix of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and zesty citrus that dance together in every spoonful.
• Super Simple Cooking Method: Crafted with minimal effort, this recipe requires just one saucepan and basic chopping skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create something impressive without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Holiday Companion: Elevate your thanksgiving spread or holiday table with this make-ahead conserve that serves as a delightful condiment for turkey, a spread for toast, or a festive side dish that adds bright, tangy notes to rich, hearty meals.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful combination of soft, jammy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and plump raisins that create a complex, satisfying mouthfeel with every single bite of this delectable conserve.

Cranberry Fruit Conserve Ingredient List

• Cranberries: Tart and bright berries that provide the main flavor and vibrant color of the conserve.
• Apple: Sweet and crisp fruit that adds texture and natural sweetness to balance the cranberries.

• Orange Zest: Provides aromatic citrus oils and bright flavor to complement the cranberries.
• Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Brings sharp, bright citrus notes to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy acidity and helps balance the sweetness.

• Sugar: Essential for sweetening and helping to create the conserve's thick, jammy texture.
• Raisins: Adds chewy sweetness and depth to the conserve.
• Nuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to complement the fruit.

• Water: Helps create the right moisture and cooking environment for the fruit to break down and meld together.

Cooking Cranberry Conserve the Easy Way

Step 1: Kickstart the Cranberry Magic

• Grab a saucepan and toss in fresh cranberries
• Sprinkle in sugar
• Pour in water

Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until the cranberry skins start to burst and create a delightful popping symphony.

Step 2: Bring in the Fruity Companions

• Fold in finely chopped apple
• Zest and squeeze fresh orange
• Zest and squeeze tangy lemon

Continue cooking for 15 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and dance together.

Step 3: Add Texture and Crunch

• Plump raisins
• Chopped nuts

Watch the conserve transform into a rich, vibrant mixture.

Step 4: Chill and Savor

Allow the conserve to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate until nicely chilled.

Serve as a stunning side dish or spread on toast for a breakfast treat.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet-Tart Balance

• Pick Peak Cranberries: Choose bright, firm, and glossy cranberries without soft spots or wrinkles for the most vibrant conserve.
• Master Slow Cooking: Simmer the mixture gently to prevent burning and allow ingredients to release their natural flavors and create a perfect consistency.
• Zest for Depth: Grate citrus zest carefully to add bright, intense flavor notes that elevate the entire conserve without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Preserve Nut Crunch: Fold chopped nuts at the very end to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy during cooking.
• Patience Pays Off: Let the conserve cool completely at room temperature, which helps thicken the mixture and allows flavors to develop and blend beautifully.

Storing Cranberry Conserve Without the Fuss

• Seal in Mason Jars: Transfer the vibrant cranberry conserve into sterilized glass mason jars with tight-fitting lids. These classic containers preserve freshness and create a beautiful presentation while preventing flavor absorption from other refrigerator items.
• Freeze in Portioned Containers: Divide the conserve into small freezer-safe plastic or glass containers with airtight seals. Label each container with the date and contents, allowing easy identification and convenient portioning when you're ready to enjoy a delicious burst of cranberry goodness.
• Quick Refrigeration Technique: Cool the conserve completely at room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture. Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door to ensure consistent temperature and longer preservation.

Ways to Customize the Conserve

• Seasonal Berry Blend: Swap cranberries with a mix of seasonal berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant summer conserve.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace apple with diced mango or pineapple, and use lime zest instead of orange for a tropical-inspired version.
• Spiced Winter Conserve: Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cloves to create a cozy winter variation that pairs perfectly with holiday meals.
• Boozy Grown-Up Edition: Stir in a splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier during the final cooking stage for an adult-friendly version with complex flavor notes.

Cranberry Conserve Round-Up

Sweet tangy cranberry conserve whispers holiday memories with Ina Garten’s signature elegance.

Kitchen magic transforms simple ingredients into a festive masterpiece that delights palates.

Bright ruby-red hues sparkle with orange and lemon zest, promising complex flavor profiles.

Raisins and nuts add delightful texture to this classic condiment.

Home cooks can easily craft this sophisticated conserve with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Savor each spoonful, share the recipe, spread culinary joy, and let your taste buds dance with delight.

Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cranberry fruit conserve brings Mediterranean warmth to classic holiday flavors. Sweet orange zest and ruby-red cranberries mingle with port wine, creating a sophisticated spread perfect for festive tables and gourmet cheese pairings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 12-ounce (340 grams) bag of fresh cranberries, cleaned
• 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) sugar

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 orange, zest grated and juiced
• 1 lemon, zest grated and juiced
• ¾ cup (120 grams) raisins
• ¾ cup (85 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and 240 milliliters () of water, simmering gently over low heat until cranberry skins burst and begin to break down, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate finely diced apples, freshly grated orange zest, squeezed orange juice, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the cranberry mixture, continuing to cook and stir occasionally until the apples soften and the liquid reduces, around 12-15 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in plump golden raisins and roughly chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the conserve.
4. Transfer the warm conserve to a clean glass container, allowing it to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes.
5. Once cooled, cover the conserve and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor melding and achieve a chilled, jellied consistency before serving as a festive condiment or spread.

Notes

• Gather premium, ripe cranberries bursting with vibrant color and firm texture for maximum flavor intensity.
• Combine tart Granny Smith apples and bright citrus zest to create a complex, balanced flavor profile that dances on your taste buds.
• Simmer ingredients gently over low heat, allowing natural sugars to caramelize and cranberries to break down slowly without scorching.
• Fold in crunchy nuts and plump raisins after removing from heat to preserve their distinct textures and prevent sogginess.
• Allow the conserve to cool completely, giving the mixture time to develop deep, rich flavors and achieve a perfect spreadable consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg