12 November 2017

Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe ~ New Holiday Favorite

Do you ever have a combination of flavors in your mind that you just know would be good together?  I do. When this happens to me, I can't really rest until I try it.  Maybe it's just me, but ever since the subject of Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations came up this year, the when, where, who's home, the what we'll have conversations started circulating, I have had a flavor in mind that I wanted to try.
I always make my own Cranberry Sauce. I never have enjoyed the 'canned' versions, and so as an adult, preparing my own feasts for the holidays, I have made my own.  Nothing complicated, just fresh 1 -12oz bag of cranberries, the zest of 2 fresh oranges and their juice, some of the chopped up peel popped in while cooking with some sugar and spices. I love it! I love the smell of Christmas it spreads throughout the house. Nothing else quite has that smell. It excites me for the upcoming time with family and friends.
That being said, that was not what was on my mind this year. I kept thinking I wanted something a little more. A little more substance, a lot more dimension, more flavors and a bit sturdier, for lack of a better word. I wanted to incorporate more flavors so that it would work for the Thanksgiving and upcoming Christmas feeds but also be wonderful on its own, or for a wonderful appetizer. 
So, I began with my experimentation on a recipe for a Cranberry Apple Chutney. Just what is a chutney, you may ask?
Well, it is usually defined as a "sweet or savory but usually spicy condiment, originally from eastern India, made from a variety of fruits and/or vegetables". Often combined with nuts and used with cheese. Yep, that was what I wanted!  The experiment led to this quite yummy recipe that I'm sharing with you today.  I can say, from first-hand experience that it is simply divine. As a matter of fact, I had some for lunch today! Yum!  If you have never played with your recipes, may I humbly suggest that you do?!  You might be surprised at just how good your instincts are. 
I've created a recipe card, here, that you can save. Please note:   these are only the ingredients I used.   Please feel free to make it your own and adapt it to your tastes!

For those of you for which any type of cooking is foreign, I'd like to give a little instruction on how to cook/make the Chutney. The first place to start is assembling your ingredients, followed by cleaning your Cranberries. Once you have rinsed your berries well under some water pour them into a good cooking pot. (I use my copper candy pot) Add the zest and juice of your two oranges. (Quality counts here. Don't skimp on these ingredients, you don't need much)  Add your finely chopped apple, onion, sugar, and honey and turn your heat to a medium/medium-high temp. to start cooking and dissolving your sugar. ( I always chop up the peel from my oranges and place them in the pot while I'm cooking, they are easily removed once you've gotten all the flavor out of them)
Once the juices from the cranberries start to release, about 15-20 minutes, add the cloves, cinnamon, raisins, and cranberries. Some people find cinnamon and cloves strong, I don't, but I recommend starting with 1/2 tsp and adding to taste. If you want your chutney to be a little looser, simply add a couple tablespoons of orange or apple juice to your hot mixture.  Continue cooking on medium heat for about another 20-30 minutes.  This recipe makes approximately 3-1/2-4 cups, so you'll want to scoop some into mason jars while hot and place lids on so it will keep.
Done this way, your chutney will last you through the Holiday season.
I had some of my warm chutney over some Brie Cheese on a couple of slices of French bread for lunch today, topped with some chopped walnuts for that little extra texture and flavor. You may prefer Pecans! (see my sneak pic below) but it is equally as good on a Turkey sandwich.
 Pretty much any appetizer you can make with cranberry sauce you can make with this Chutney.
(when it's done)
I hope that you enjoy the flavors as much as I do.
  It's a wonderful time of the year to share something just like this with your friends and family.  If you wanted to double this recipe, I think it would be an awesome gift to share. Thank you for taking the time to visit with me today. Let me know how you like my Chutney in the comments. I'd love to hear your experience! 
Many blessings,
Theresa 
I will be sharing with:  

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12 comments:

  1. Love! Will have to try!
    Debby
    Debbygoesshabby.blogspot.com

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  2. OH, this sounds wonderful! I can't wait to make some for our Thanksgiving dinner.

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    1. Thank you, Deborah! I hope you love it as much as we do! :)

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  3. Wow!This looks perfect for the holidays. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home.

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    1. Oh, Sherry, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.It is always my pleasure to get to share at you Home Sweet Home.

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  4. Thank you so much for coming by and your comment, Marilyn! I can't wait to read your recipe! No, we can never have too many recipes in our hats can we?!
    Many Blessings~

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  5. That looks and sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party!

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    1. Thank you so much, Helen! thanks for the beautiful party to allow me to share! :)

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  6. This sounds delicious and perfect for holiday dinners. Thanks for sharing on Sunday's Best. I'll be pinning this one.

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  7. Anonymous6:15 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing on the Whisk It Wednesday Link Party. Tomorrow your post will be featured on this week's party! Hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Carrie @ Carrie's Home Cooking

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  8. Oh yumm!!! I'm doctoring my simmering-on-the-stove-right-now cranberry sauce for dinner tonight! THANKS for the inspiration Theresa! And happy eating! :)

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I love, love your comments and I do read every single one. They totally make my day. If you have a specific question, make sure I can answer you back by adding your email to your google/blog account! Thanks so much for the visit.