Description
This Cherry Cranberry Relish with Jello is a vibrant and refreshing holiday side dish featuring a blend of tart cranberries, sweet cherry Jello, fresh orange, crunchy nuts, and crisp celery. Perfectly chilled and set, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that complements festive meals beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Gelatin Base
- 6 oz Cherry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
Relish Mix
- 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 in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring continuously until the mixture is clear and fully dissolved.
- Prepare Relish: In a food processor, pulse together the cranberries, orange segments and zest, sugar, chopped celery, pecans, and walnuts until the mixture is finely chopped but still chunky, maintaining some texture.
- Combine: Pour the chopped relish mixture into the dissolved Jello in the pan and stir thoroughly to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Stir the mixture, cover again, and refrigerate until the mixture is completely set, typically about 2 more hours. Stir one final time before serving to ensure an even consistency.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cranberries when in season or fully thaw frozen berries before use.
- You can adjust sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
- This relish can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors and save time on the day of serving.
- Chilling thoroughly is essential for the Jello to fully set and the flavors to meld.
- Use a glass pan for even cooling and easy mixing.
