Cranberry Preserve
My cranberry preserve is indeed a favorite for the holidays ….. Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we use this beyond the holidays. I make several mason jars of this preserve and mail and or deliver to my friends and family. Sara, a very particular and special friend of mine, knows that by the very latest, I will deliver her jar of preserve on Thanksgiving Day. Why, I made a promise to her several years ago, that as long as I am alive and capable, she will always have a jar of freshly made Cranberry preserve to serve on Thanksgiving Day. Some of my friends use it with roast chicken sandwiches. Spread the preserve on a round of Brie Cheese and warm in a microwave for 30 seconds or so, just enough to warm the cheese. Serve with thin slices of french baguette or crackers of your choice, is another brilliant way to use this preserve.
INGREDIENTS
4 cups apple juice
3/4 cup Apple Jack (apple-flavored brandy)
¼ cup Grand Marnier
3 cinnamon sticks
½ teaspoon powdered cloves
3 cups dried berries
1 cup yellow raisins
2 cups organic white sugar
2 - 12-ounce package fresh cranberries
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large pot, combine apple juice, Apple Jack, grand marnier, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, raisins and dried berries. Bring to a boil over medium heat then add fresh cranberries. Cover and cook until most of fresh cranberries have burst about 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool completely then transfer to sterilized mason jars and refrigerate.
