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If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing side that captures the spirit of the holidays while bringing a delightful twist to your table, this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Bursting with tangy cranberries, sweet cherries, zesty orange, and crunchy nuts, all suspended in a shimmering cherry Jello, this relish is a festive crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and textured goodness that will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each component is thoughtfully chosen: the cranberries add a bright pop of tartness, the cherry Jello lends a silky sweetness and brilliant color, the orange brings lively citrus notes, and the nuts provide a satisfyingly crunchy contrast.
- 6 oz Cherry Jello: The base flavor and beautiful red hue that gives this relish its signature look and taste.
- 2 cups boiling water: Essential for dissolving the Jello completely, ensuring a smooth texture.
- 12 oz cranberries (fresh or thawed): Adds classic tartness and freshness that brightens every bite.
- 1 medium orange zest and segments: Provides citrusy zest and juicy sweetness to balance flavors.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the tart fruits just enough to make the dish approachable and well-rounded.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped: Adds crunchy texture and a subtle earthiness that complements the fruit.
- 1/2 cup pecans: Provides natural sweetness and nutty crunch.
- 1/2 cup walnuts: Adds warmth and a buttery texture blending perfectly with pecans and celery.
How to Make Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
Step 1: Dissolve the Cherry Jello
Start by pouring the 2 cups of boiling water over the 6 oz package of cherry Jello in a glass 8×8 pan. Stir steadily until the Jello granules are completely dissolved and the liquid becomes clear and inviting. This step ensures your relish has a smooth, jelly base that perfectly suspends all the delicious additions.
Step 2: Prepare the Relish Mixture
Next, grab a food processor and add the cranberries, orange segments and zest, sugar, and chopped celery. Pulse the mixture just a few times until everything is finely chopped but still chunky enough to enjoy little bursts of flavor and texture. Then, toss in the pecans and walnuts and pulse briefly to incorporate, preserving that satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Combine the Relish with the Jello
Pour the freshly chopped relish mixture right into the prepared cherry Jello liquid. Stir thoroughly to combine all the textures and flavors uniformly throughout the jelly, ensuring each spoonful delivers a bit of everything.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. After about an hour, briefly stir the mixture to redistribute any settling ingredients, then cover it again and refrigerate until fully set. Stir once more before serving to keep that delightful, chunky consistency intact.
How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, consider topping the relish with a few whole cranberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green. A thin twist of orange peel or a few toasted nuts on top adds elegance and highlights the flavors in the relish.
Side Dishes
This relish pairs exceptionally well with turkey, chicken, pork, or even as a zesty side at vegetarian meals. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to rich mains and works beautifully alongside creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, or buttery rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe in a decorative glass bowl or mold it in festive shapes using silicone molds for holiday flair. For individual servings, spoon portions into small ramekins or clear glasses layered with whipped cream or cream cheese spreads for a sophisticated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days without losing its vibrant flavor or texture. Make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the gelatin and fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the texture to become watery and lose its delightful firmness. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This relish is intended to be served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply bring it out from the fridge, give it a quick stir, and let those wonderful flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and they just need to be thawed before pulsing in the food processor to ensure an even texture in your relish.
Is it possible to substitute the nuts for allergies?
Yes, you can omit the pecans and walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunchy alternative.
Can I make this relish without the orange?
You can, but the orange zest and segments add a crucial citrus brightness that lifts the whole dish. If you don’t have fresh orange, a bit of fresh lemon zest or a splash of orange juice can be a great substitute.
How far in advance can I prepare the Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe?
Preparing it a day ahead is ideal to allow flavors to meld and the Jello to set properly. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a convenient make-ahead holiday dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
The traditional recipe uses gelatin, which is animal-derived. For a vegetarian or vegan version, try using a plant-based gelatin substitute like agar-agar, but note the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way this Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe brightens any meal with its vibrant color, fresh flavors, and delightful textures. It’s that kind of dish you want to bring out every holiday or special occasion because it invites everyone to smile with each spoonful. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family. So go ahead, dive in and enjoy every luscious bite!
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Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is a refreshing and vibrant holiday side dish combining tart cranberries and sweet cherry Jello, enhanced with fresh orange, crunchy nuts, and crisp celery. Perfectly chilled and set, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, ideal for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Liquid Base
- 6 oz Cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
Relish Ingredients
- 12 oz cranberries (fresh or thawed)
- 1 medium orange, zest and segments
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Dissolve Jello: In a glass 8×8-inch pan, dissolve the cherry jello powder into 2 cups of boiling water, stirring continuously until the mixture is clear and fully dissolved.
- Prepare Relish: In a food processor, pulse the cranberries, orange segments, orange zest, sugar, chopped celery, pecans, and walnuts until the mixture is finely chopped but retains a chunky texture.
- Combine: Pour the chopped relish mixture into the dissolved jello in the pan. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Chill: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. After this time, stir the jello mixture gently, cover again, and continue to refrigerate until fully set, about 2 more hours. Stir once more before serving to break up the set jello lightly.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries thawed completely for best texture.
- Ensure the jello is completely dissolved in boiling water to avoid graininess.
- Chilling time is crucial for proper set; do not skip stirring midway to maintain texture.
- This relish can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and walnuts or substitute with seeds if preferred.
