Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish to elevate your holiday meals? Look no further! This cranberry sauce recipe with raspberry Jello adds a delightful twist to the traditional cranberry sauce, offering a burst of fruity flavor and a beautiful, vibrant color. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make and will impress even the most discerning palates. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, proving that homemade cooking can be both delicious and effortless.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (3-ounce) package raspberry Jello
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cranberries
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Remove any damaged or bruised berries.
Step 2: Simmering the Cranberry Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and 1/2 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Reducing the Sauce
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Dissolving the Jello
While the cranberry sauce simmers, prepare the raspberry Jello. In a separate small bowl, add the Jello powder to the 1/2 cup of boiling water. Stir until the Jello is completely dissolved.
Step 5: Combining Cranberry and Jello
Once the cranberry sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and carefully stir in the dissolved raspberry Jello. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely before serving. This will allow the Jello to set slightly, giving the sauce a delightful texture. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Fresh Cranberries are Best: While frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the amount of sugar. You can also add a splash of orange juice or lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking the cranberry sauce can result in a mushy texture. Simmer gently until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
Variations:
- Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the sauce for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
- Spices: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, or allspice for a warm, autumnal touch.
- Ginger: A teaspoon of grated fresh ginger adds a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 4 servings. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate is approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 30-40g
This cranberry sauce recipe with raspberry Jello is a simple yet elegant addition to any meal. It's a fantastic example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!