Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re already planning your holiday menu. This year, I’m determined to get ahead of the game and prepare as much as possible in advance. One dish that’s perfect for making ahead and a must-have on our Thanksgiving table is cranberry relish. And who better to turn to for a reliable and delicious recipe than the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond?
I’ve long admired Ree Drummond, not just for her amazing recipes but also for her warm and down-to-earth personality. Her cookbooks are filled with approachable and flavorful dishes that are perfect for family gatherings, and The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays is no exception. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of holiday recipes, including a fantastic cranberry relish that I can’t wait to share with you.
When I think of Thanksgiving, cranberry sauce or relish is one of the first things that comes to mind. It’s that perfect sweet and tart counterpoint to the rich and savory flavors of the rest of the meal. And while canned cranberry sauce might be convenient, homemade cranberry relish is truly in a different league. The fresh, vibrant flavors are simply unmatched.
Ree Drummond’s cranberry relish recipe is incredibly easy to make, which is exactly what you need when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday feast. It uses just a handful of fresh ingredients and comes together in minutes on the stovetop. In fact, it’s so simple that you might even forget you’re making it – almost! (Let’s just say I had a near cranberry crisis when I got engrossed in writing and almost let it simmer for too long – disaster averted!). But that’s a testament to how foolproof this recipe is. Even a distracted cook can create a delicious cranberry relish with this method.
What makes this cranberry relish recipe from the Pioneer Woman stand out is the use of fresh oranges and maple syrup. The orange zest and juice add a bright, citrusy note that complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully. And the maple syrup provides a natural sweetness with a hint of warm caramel flavor that’s far more nuanced than refined sugar. The combination is simply divine.
This cranberry relish is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Of course, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings. But it’s also wonderful served with roasted chicken, pork, or even as a topping for brie or cream cheese with crackers. The vibrant color and festive flavor make it a welcome addition to any holiday table.
And the best part? You can make this cranberry relish well in advance. In fact, it actually tastes better after it’s had a chance to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can even make it a day or two ahead of time, or freeze it for up to a month. This make-ahead convenience is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
So, if you’re looking for a foolproof, flavorful, and make-ahead cranberry relish recipe for your Thanksgiving feast, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a holiday tradition in your family for years to come.
Ree Drummond’s Easy Homemade Cranberry Relish Recipe
From The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays
Author: Ree Drummond
Cuisine: Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yields: About 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the oranges and cranberries: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any soft or mushy ones. Zest both oranges using a microplane or fine grater, being careful to only zest the colorful outer layer and not the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside. Juice both oranges and set the juice aside.
- Combine ingredients and simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Add the maple syrup and stir everything together to combine.
- Cook the relish: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the relish has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker relish, simmer for a bit longer.
- Chill and serve: Transfer the cranberry relish to a serving dish and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the relish to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the relish to thicken further.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a side dish alongside your Thanksgiving turkey, ham, or other holiday meals.
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet relish, start with ¾ cup of maple syrup and add more to taste.
- Add spices: For a warmer flavor profile, add a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to the relish while it simmers.
- Include nuts: For added texture, stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts after the relish has cooled slightly.
- Make it boozy: For an adult version, add 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau) or bourbon after cooking and cooling slightly.
- Freezing: To freeze cranberry relish, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy this delightful and easy cranberry relish recipe from the Pioneer Woman! It’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving celebration.
