Thanksgiving is a cherished time for gathering with loved ones, reflecting on blessings, and indulging in a feast of flavors. While turkey and stuffing often take center stage, the side dishes truly complete the holiday meal. Among these, cranberry sauce is a classic, but for a vibrant and zesty twist that will elevate your Thanksgiving table, look no further than the Pioneer Woman Cranberry Orange Relish. This recipe offers a delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet oranges, creating a relish that’s both refreshing and deeply flavorful.
This Pioneer Woman Cranberry Orange Relish recipe, adapted from the renowned Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is incredibly easy to make and promises to be a standout addition to your holiday spread. It perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries with the bright, citrusy notes of fresh oranges, all while being subtly spiced for warmth and depth. Forget about overly sweet, gelatinous cranberry sauce from a can; this homemade relish is a game-changer, offering a burst of fresh, homemade goodness that complements the richness of Thanksgiving dishes beautifully.
To create this delightful Pioneer Woman Cranberry Orange Relish, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries thoroughly.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, sugar, orange zest, fresh squeezed orange juice, ground ginger, and cinnamon stick. Give the mixture a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pan.
- After 15 minutes, you’ll notice that the cranberries have popped and softened. Remove the pan from the heat. At this stage, the relish might appear quite liquidy, but don’t worry, it will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Allow the cranberry orange relish to cool completely. As it cools, it will transform into a beautifully thickened sauce. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a touch of water to reach your desired texture.
- Before serving, remember to remove the cinnamon stick. The Pioneer Woman Cranberry Orange Relish can be served at room temperature or chilled, according to your preference.
This Pioneer Woman Cranberry Orange Relish is more than just a condiment; it’s a flavor enhancer that will brighten your entire Thanksgiving meal. The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and warm spices creates a harmonious balance that cuts through the richness of heavier dishes, adding a refreshing counterpoint to your holiday plate. Make this easy and flavorful relish a part of your Thanksgiving tradition and delight your family and guests with a homemade touch that truly makes a difference. Enjoy!
