Cranberry Recipes for the Perfect Thanksgiving Celebration

Did someone just say berries? Yes, that was us! How can you celebrate autumnal bliss without berries by your side? That's simply impossible and we will not let you waste Thanksgiving just like that! So head quickly to the stores and buy yourself a basket of cranberries because we are about to explore so many amazing cranberry recipes that you can actually try out with them! But do you know the exact technique to cook them at home? Well, if not, do not worry, because we have also listed below, some tips to your rescue!

Insights about making cranberries at home

Cranberries are greatly associated with Christmas and Thanksgiving and you may use them for both sweet as well as savory dishes. So next time you come across cranberries in the store, get them home. Make sauces and pack them in jars so you can use them later. Perfect as homemade jellies and sauces, cranberries will never fail you. However, before you begin to work with the recipes, we would like to share some tips which will be very useful during the process! Let's read on!

1. Allow the acid to be neutralized- there is no denying the fact that cranberries are somewhat sour and have a tart-like taste! The only way you can balance out the flavor is with the aid of sugar syrup. That's right! However, there is already natural sugar present in the cranberry extract so you do not wish to make it unhealthy! How do you deal with the acid then? The simple way is to add some baking soda to the cranberry syrup.

2. Cranberries need to be cooked and processed thoroughly-

Whenever you are adding cranberries to any dish, there is one thing that you have to remember! These need to be cooked first on the stove. However, you should steer away from overlooking it as this will spoil the texture of the syrup and even turn it bitter. They need to be stirred and cooked for about ten minutes during which the berries will burst and pop out. This should always be done on medium flame.

In case you are using dried cranberries,  you can opt for rehydrating them first before you begin cooking. These look exactly like raisins! You need to soak them in water for about twenty minutes and then you can begin processing your recipe. Instead of soaking it in water, you can opt for enhancing its flavor even more by soaking the dried version in fruit juice.

2. Follow the right technique to prep and process cranberries- even if you have worked previously with making cranberry recipes at home, there are some techniques that you better follow so the results are always favorable and flavorful! You can chop the cranberries to release their juice as you make a refreshing summer salad. Instead of adding as a whole, chopping is even more effective in releasing the real flavors.

If you take proper care of your cranberries then frozen cranberries can last up to a year before the next season comes. Although some recipes might ask you to thaw it, frozen cranberries are truly delectable too.

3. What are some of the fruits that can be substituted with cranberries- no matter the dried version or the fresh ones, cranberries are rich in flavor and they can be used as a substitute for several fruits in the market. You can use them if you have exhausted your stock of raisins in custards, pudding, carrot, or pumpkin salads. Instead of adding pomegranates to your cobbler, you can opt for adding some fresh cranberries instead.

4. Always be unique about the recipes-

The most common thing that you make with cranberries is the sauce but you should always think out of the box. You can even add them raw to desserts like Apple cranberry crisp and so on. Making bread or muffins at home? Why not drizzle them with cranberry chunks too? But if you think that desserts are the only thing where you can add cranberries then that is where you have got it all wrong. Savory dishes like salmon in cranberry sauces and meatballs soaked in cranberry gravy are very popular around the world. Couscous and salads are perfect to make a blend of fresh and dried cranberries at the same time.

5. Adds nutrition to your dish- if you are not aware then let us tell you that cranberry syrup is rich in several nutrients and benefits our bodies greatly. Cranberry juice is effective to solve urinary tract infection and also aid cavity and gum problems. Being rich in antioxidants, cranberries are good preventive care agsubt strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.  Fibers, magnesium, vitamins C, and E are also present in them.

Concepts about cranberries and why you eat them

If you have never tried cranberries before then let us tell you that these are small red color fruits that are small, hard, and round. Found mostly in the northern United States and Canada, these are very similar in taste to blueberries. The North American varieties are called the native ones. You will be intrigued to find out that the Native Americans used cranberries for dyeing their clothes. Cranberries also had medicinal qualities. Sailors often consumed them at sea to prevent scurvy. Today, cranberries are grown over the region of 40,000 acres of land in America every year.

Nutritive values of cranberries-

A cup of cranberry contains 46 calories, 0 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, 1 gram of protein, and 2 milligrams of sodium. This is in the case of fresh cranberries.

Cranberries are mainly grown during the season of fall but that does not mean that you can't enjoy them throughout the year. Dried cranberries and canned ones are easily available in every store. If you wish to make your main course or desserts even more tasteful then you should go ahead and add some cranberries to it. These used to grow wild in some parts of Canada which was later domesticated and grown on a large scale.

How do you select the best cranberries and then store them?

The cranberries should be fresh and shiny which is a mark of good quality cranberries. These should be bright red in color and you should not buy berries that have shriveled up and have wrinkles on the surface. Freezing or drying is the best method to preserve these berries without getting them damaged.

Here are some awesome cranberry recipes to make during Thanksgiving!

Delicious Cranberry Recipes for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Dinner

1. Cranberry apple chutney

Pulpy and flavorful, the cranberry and apple chutney are very easy to make and you can store them in a jar for later use! Enjoy bread during breakfast on a fine festive morning! Shall we make it then?

2. Make-ahead cranberry sauce

There is no need for you to worry about a sauce for desserts as long as you have some cranberry sauce in the refrigerator. Not just cranberries but lemon, apples, and orange zest are also in full bloom.

3. The sumptuous cranberry dip

Loaded with cream and juice, the recipe for cranberry dip is right here which you can enjoy with crackers or pie! The dip will literally work with anything that you can think of! So dig in! Make it for your desserts!

4. Honey-roasted butternut squash with cranberries + feta

If you are looking for a sweet and sour appetizer to consume in the middle of the day or right before the meal then there is nothing as good as the roasted butternut squash served with dried cranberries. Drizzled with honey and feta cheese, the dish is outstanding!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/85709199151339796/

5. The best homemade cranberry sauce with orange juice

The recipe for cranberry and orange juice in the sauce is a lovely combination and you should try it out since you already have so much cranberry stocked up in the refrigerator!

6. Cranberry clafoutis

The recipe for Cranberry clafoutis is another gorgeous one! If you like pies then there is no way you should miss out on the classic savory and sweet clafoutis. Make this season even more special with this idea right here.

7. Cranberry fluff

Made with pineapples, marshmallows, and obviously, cranberries, the recipe for the gooey fluff will simply render you speechless. You can serve this fluff with crackers to the guests or enjoy it all by yourself as a light snack in the evening.

8. The orange cranberry bread

If you are fond of cranberries then begin your morning with the orange and cranberry bread recipe that is right here for you. Delicious and crumbly, this is the most amazing one that you shall regret missing out on if you do!

9. Cranberry pecan coffee cake

If you are a coffee addict and fond of cranberries too then there is only one thing best for you! The pecan-crusted coffee cake with cranberry bliss. Such a wonderful idea to relish this season! Go make it now!

10. Thanksgiving cranberry dip

No matter which appetizer it is, from crackers to chips, tortillas, and nachos, everything tastes so surprisingly good with the cranberry dip that we have for you right here. Rich in icing, what a spectacular choice it is! Shall we then?

11. Best cranberry fluff salad

The cranberry fluff salad is the most amazing of all! The smooth and soft salad with a sense of creamy hint leaves an aftertaste in your mouth so divine. Enjoy with crackers of wafers on the side and make your evenings extra happening.

12. Pineapple orange cranberry sauce

Pineapple orange cranberry sauce is flooded with great taste! Lovely, juicy, and rich, the cranberry sauce is rich and a smooth treat to indulge in! The best part is you can drizzle it with pecan crumbs and whatever you wish to top the pulpy sauce with!

13. Crockpot cranberry turkey breast

The delectable and juicy cranberry-infused turkey breasts are ideal to celebrate the wonders of the season. Succulent and flavored with bold seasonings,  the turkey breast strips can be enjoyed with anything on the sides.

14. Cranberry sauce with dried cranberries

With the advent of the season for Thanksgiving, we have the recipe for cranberry sauce right here exclusively for you! Delicious and pulpy, the bright red sauce goes well as a topping for all desserts. Shall we try it then?

15. The three ingredients of cranberry sauce

All you need are basic three ingredients to prepare the cranberry sauce! Delicious and luxurious, the recipe is super easy to follow and whenever you are craving something tangy and sweet to drizzle over your desserts, you can come back to this recipe for help!

16. Apple cranberry relish

The gooey and tender apple cranberry relish is flooded with the wonders of cranberry! The perfect treat for the season! If you are fond of sauces on your dessert then there is nothing as good as this one!

17. Cranberry apple crisp recipe

Topped with Apple crisp, the cranberry recipe is fascinating and loaded with syrup! This is a seasonal recipe that will make sure if you are not having a great time, then that should not last for long. Shall we make it then?

18. Cranberry orange cobbler

Delectable and flooded with the goodness of zesty orange, this is a seasonal recipe with awesome treats awaiting to make your day so special. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, complete your meal with this awesome dessert at the end!

19. No-cook cranberry sauce

Yes, that's right! It is a delightful idea indeed! The cranberry sauce recipe that we have here requires no time at all! The best part is you do not have to go through the hassle of cooking! So dig in!

20. Zesty cranberry relish

Imagine your day beginning with the cranberry relish! Delectable and smooth, this is further packed with pecan crumbs! What a wonderful idea indeed. Drizzled with herbs, the cranberry relish is ready in no time! Get this done right away and make your mornings special!

Frequently asked questions associated with making cranberry sauces

1. What is the ideal way to cook cranberries?

You should allow the cranberry to cook on a medium flame for about ten minutes until the cranberries burst and release the juice. Cooking the cranberries, make them even more tasteful than the raw version of the same.

2. What is the process of making cranberry sauce?

First, you need to clean the cranberries and then boil them in water with some sugar. Then drop all the cranberries into the boiling water and allow it to cook till the cranberries burst out and release the reddish juice.

3. What are some of the foods which pair well with cranberry sauce?

Recipes like turkey, rice, quinoa, walnut, and so many other items are there that you can combine with cranberry sauce. There is mild cheddar and cream cheese too in case you wish to make it the best of all!

4. How to enhance the taste of cranberry sauce?

If you wish to escalate the taste of cranberry sauce then you need to add some lemon or orange juice to the same. This definitely enhances the flavor of the cranberries and makes them irresistible. 

5. Why are some cranberries soaked in water?

Cranberries have air pockets in the flesh and hence the bogs are added to water to separate the fruit from the vines. This technique is called wet harvesting.

6. What can be added as a thickening agent in cranberry sauce?

If you observe that the cranberry sauce is too runny then you need to thicken the syrup with some gelatin, pectin, or cornstarch in the mixture.

Bottom Line-

Thanksgiving is about celebrating with family and friends and the perfect way to do this is with a delicious cranberry-themed feast. From the classic cranberry sauce that compliments the turkey, to the cranberry-infused holiday drinks, these recipes are sure to bring the holiday cheer. With the right ingredients and recipes, your Thanksgiving celebration can be the best one yet. As the famous saying goes, “Take time to simply enjoy life—one plate at a time.” Make sure to follow these cranberry recipes and make this Thanksgiving one for the books.

So, if you’re looking to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable, don’t forget to add these cranberry recipes to your menu. Whether you’re savoring the classic cranberry sauce or trying a new cranberry-infused drink, these recipes will help you create a magical cranberry Thanksgiving celebration. So go ahead, give thanks, and enjoy the perfect Thanksgiving feast with the perfect cranberry recipes.