Elevate Your Holiday Table with Easy Homemade Cranberry Jelly!
Nothing sparks the holiday spirit quite like the vibrant, tangy burst of cranberry jelly. This homemade delight is more than just a perfect spread for your festive meals—it’s a memorable companion to roast dinners and an exciting addition to your breakfast table. Today, I’m thrilled to share my go-to Easy Homemade Cranberry Jelly Recipe, which promises to enrich your culinary creations with simplicity and elegance.
Time to Prep and Cook!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: About 2 cups
Why Choose Homemade Cranberry Jelly?
Switching from store-bought to homemade cranberry jelly not only enhances flavor but also puts you in control of the ingredients. With no added preservatives or excess sugar, this homemade recipe offers a healthier alternative, bursting with natural cranberry tang and a perfectly smooth texture. Not to mention, it’s incredibly satisfying to serve a spread you’ve made from scratch!
Step-by-Step: Crafting the Perfect Spread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cranberries: Wash the cranberries thoroughly, removing any stems or blemished berries.
- Cook the Berries: In a medium saucepan, combine water and cranberries. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let the cranberries cook until they burst and start to soften, about 15 minutes.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved and the mixture returns to a boil.
- Strain the Mix: Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the berry skins and achieve that smooth jelly texture.
- Set the Jelly: Pour the strained mixture into a mold or container and let cool. Refrigerate until set, typically a few hours.
Recipe Remix: Substitutions & Secret Hacks
Enhance your cranberry jelly with these tips and tweaks:
- Sugar Adjustments: For a less sweet jelly, reduce the sugar. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more.
- Flavor Twists: Add orange zest or a cinnamon stick during the cooking process for a festive twist.
- Pectin for Consistency: If you like a firmer jelly, add a tablespoon of pectin as you dissolve the sugar.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 106
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Total Carbs: 27g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 0g
Adapting this recipe to meet dietary restrictions or just to cater to your personal taste is simple, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Until Next Time
Having shared and enjoyed this Easy Homemade Cranberry Jelly at numerous family gatherings, I can confidently say that it has never failed to impress. Whether spooned over a steamy slice of turkey or spread on a toasted English muffin in the morning, its rich color and vibrant flavor elevate any meal. My children, especially, look forward to seeing this jelly on the table, knowing it’s made with love and care.
Try this recipe out and watch it become a new tradition in your home, cherished by everyone for its simplicity and delightful taste. Happy cooking!
