Ina Gartens Cranberry Fruit Conserve Food

MAKE-AHEAD CRANBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook the cranberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the skins pop open. Add the apple, zests, and juices and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool, and serve chilled.

CRANBERRY MARTINIS

Steps:

• Several days ahead, place the sugar, cranberries, 6 strips of orange zest, and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, until the cranberries start to pop open. Pour the vodka into a large pitcher, add the cranberry mixture, and store covered in the refrigerator for at least 2 days and up to 5 days.
• When ready to serve, strain the vodka mixture, reserving the cranberries and discarding the orange zest. Stir in the cranberry juice cocktail and Triple Sec. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the drink mixture, shake for a full 30 seconds (it's longer than you think!), and strain into martini glasses. Rub the rim of each glass with fresh orange zest, spoon a few cranberries into each glass, and serve ice cold.

CRANBERRY, APPLE, AND WALNUT CONSERVE

Steps:

• Simmer water, sugar, cinnamon stick, allspice, and half of cranberries (about 5 1/2 cups) in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries just start to pop, about 5 minutes. Add half of remaining cranberries (about 3 cups) and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel and core apples, then cut into 1/4-inch dice. Add to cranberry mixture along with walnuts and remaining cranberries, then simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in Calvados and simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool to warm or room temperature. Discard cinnamon stick.

HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE ("CRANBERRY FRUIT CONSERVE")

Steps:

• Cook the cranberries, sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the skins pop open.
• Add the apple, zests and juices and let cook for 15 more minutes.
• Remove from heat and add the raisins and nuts.
• Let cool, and serve chilled.