This Festive Cranberry Conserve is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors that pair beautifully with turkey, pork, chicken, or even cheese boards.
What makes a conserve different from a jam or sauce? Conserves are thick, chunky spreads made with fresh fruit, nuts, and spices, making them ideal for both savory and sweet pairings.
This homemade cranberry conserve is bursting with fresh cranberries, orange juice, apple cider, and warm cinnamon, with a crunchy twist from chopped pecans. Whether you serve it alongside a holiday roast or as a spread for appetizers, this versatile dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Conserve
- 3 cups fresh cranberries (about 300 grams)
- 1 cup water (about 240 milliliters)
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice (about 360 milliliters)
- 2/3 cup apple cider (about 160 milliliters)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (about 200 grams)
- 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar (about 70 grams)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (about 30 milliliters)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander (about 1.5 grams)
- 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches / 7.5 cm long)
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (about 90 grams – added after cooking)
How to Make Festive Cranberry Conserve
- In a medium heavy saucepan, combine cranberries and water over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and soften. Drain any excess liquid.
- Stir in orange juice, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground coriander, cinnamon stick, and mint leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for about 25 minutes, until the conserve thickens.
- Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick and mint leaves, and stir in the chopped pecans. Allow the conserve to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooled conserve to a glass jar or bowl, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- For long-term storage, the conserve can be frozen in plastic storage bags for up to 1 year. Alternatively, process the hot mixture in sterilized jars and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Serving Suggestions
- As a side dish: Serve with roasted turkey, pork, or chicken for a delicious contrast of flavors.
- As an appetizer: Spoon over cream cheese or brie and serve with crackers or bread.
- On a charcuterie board: Add a spoonful alongside cheeses, nuts, and cured meats for a gourmet touch.
- As a sandwich spread: Use as a flavorful addition to leftover turkey sandwiches.
This Festive Cranberry Conserve is a must-have holiday condiment that adds a bright, tangy, and nutty flavor to any meal. Easy to make and perfect for storing, this conserve is a great make-ahead recipe that will become a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond!
Try it out and elevate your holiday table with this rich and flavorful homemade conserve.