Scratch Whisky Cranberries — For My Boys!

Ingredienser

1 large bag of fresh cranberries

Sugar, according to taste (you can use the cranberry pkg directions as a guide - I start with about half the amount they use!)

The zest of 1 lemon

The zest and juice of 1 orange + long orange rind twists

Two long cinnamon sticks

1/4 tsp. of cloves (optional), or to taste

A dash of nutmeg (optional), or to taste

Alternatively to cloves and nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. ginger (optional) or to taste

2 oz. Jack Daniels (optional) or other whiskey, to taste. You could also use cognac, brandy, etc.

1 cup walnuts or pecans (optional), hand crushed

1 small can mandarin oranges (optional) + some of the juice, to taste

1 small to medium Granny Smith apple, chopped (optional)

Instruktioner

Decide which fruit/nut combo you prefer and prep them accordingly.

Rinse cranberries well and strain, picking out any sediment, pebbles, or stems that may have been left behind.

Put clean and strained cranberries into 3 qt. Pot with appropriate amount of water according to cranberry pkg. directions, and starting with 1/2 the sugar suggested; Wait until near the end to adjust sugar to taste.

Add cinnamon sticks and other spices, citrus zest, orange twist, fresh-squeezed orange juice, any other fruit and a bit of the canning syrup.

Add the whisky and hand-crushed walnuts/pecans.

Let simmer for a few mins until some of the alcohol burns off; taste and adjust sugar, spices; you may prefer more of the orange canning syrup to more sugar. When cranberries begin to pop open, remove from heat immediately and let cool; Refrigerate, covered, once it comes down to room temp.

Anteckningar

I have often made just the mandarin/walnut combo; I have also added apple or even pineapple chunks! (Adjust the sugar down if you use pineapple chunks and use part of the syrup instead!)

I have also changed up the walnuts for pecans; really though you can use any nuts you like, or none at all. And I hand crush mine because I enjoy that texture, but you could also grind them up finer using a food processor if you prefer.

You could also consider trying mint! I have never used it but is sounds like it could be good. Perhaps a Rack of lamb with minted cranberries? :)

It does depend on your menu - consider what flavor profiles that your turkey, dressing or other dishes you’re serving already have and what compliments them.

I know the cranberries are you fave! :)

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, and all of the joy of the holidays to you! If you stress out at all, know that I am always with you… with every whisper of winters magic, or giggle of holiday joy… or even the sizzle from your turkey and waft of delicious aroma from your oven or grill. You are all I thought of while preparing all of our holiday meals (before dad took over, that is!) And I may have been a bit testy at times, but I loved every minute of hard work, because it was for you. I love you! Enjoy your day! Smile as much as you can. Even if you think of something sad or a tough memory, once you have faced it and dealt with it, remember it with love and joy in your heart. You may have to work hard; but it’s the memories you’re creating with loved ones that will carry you through in later years. Cheers to a fabulous holiday, this year and for many, many years to come. I will just be chillin’… hanging out with Sumatra! He’s tripping me. And Briz already ate all the food! :) =^..^=