Cranberry Citrus Tangy Relish (Print Version)

A tangy mix of fresh cranberries, citrus, and warm spices, ideal as a festive condiment.

# Recipe Ingredients:

→ Fruits

01 - 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed
02 - 1 medium orange, unpeeled, seeds removed, cut into chunks
03 - 1 small apple, cored and chopped

→ Sweetener

04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
05 - 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

→ Flavorings

06 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - Pinch of salt

# Directions:

01 - Place cranberries, orange chunks, and apple into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, scraping down the sides as necessary.
02 - Transfer the chopped fruit mixture to a bowl. Stir in sugar, honey or maple syrup if using, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
03 - Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness according to preference.
04 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in just 10 minutes—no cooking required, perfect when you're already juggling a holiday meal.
  • The flavor actually improves as it sits, so you can make it days ahead and stress less on the day itself.
  • It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, which means everyone at your table can enjoy it without compromise.
  • One jar transforms ordinary roasted meat into something memorable, and guests always ask for the recipe.
02 -
  • Don't skip the refrigeration step. I once tried to serve it immediately when I was in a hurry, and it tasted harsh and disjointed. Those hours in the cold are when the magic happens, and the flavors learn to work together.
  • The texture matters more than you'd think. If you pulse it too long, you get baby food; if you don't pulse it enough, you get chunks that don't feel intentional. Aim for that middle ground where you can still see the fruit but it's mostly broken down.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts (if using them) in a dry skillet for just a couple of minutes before folding them in—it brings out their flavor and keeps them from getting soggy.
  • If you love the recipe but want it slightly chunky, pulse the mixture less. If you prefer it smoother, let the food processor run a bit longer, but stop before it becomes completely smooth.

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