Delicious Spiced Cranberry Wine Jelly Recipe
Are you tired of the same old cranberry sauce year after year? Do you want to impress your guests at your next holiday gathering with a unique and delicious homemade creation? Look no further than this Spiced Cranberry Wine Jelly Recipe.
This recipe brings together the tartness of fresh cranberries, the warmth of spices like cinnamon and star anise, and the sweetness of both granulated and wine sugars for a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you prefer red or white wine, this recipe can accommodate both with its use of either port or cabernet.
Most importantly, this Spiced Cranberry Wine Jelly is versatile – not only can you serve it as a side to your holiday meal, but it also makes a great addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time so you can focus on other parts of your feast.
Get ready to elevate your holiday spread with this spiced cranberry wine jelly. Your guests won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of sweet, tangy cranberries? Do you love indulging in the rich and complex flavors of wine? If you answered yes to either one, then this spiced cranberry wine jelly recipe is perfect for you! Not only does it capture the distinct taste of fresh cranberries, but it also features the subtle nuances that come with using red wine infused with aromatic spices.
What sets this jelly recipe apart from others is its unique combination of flavors. The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries blends perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon sticks and peppercorns, creating an explosion of taste in your mouth. To top it all off, the jelly has a smooth, luxurious texture that will leave you wanting more.
The recipe is incredibly versatile – it can be served as a spread on bread or crackers, paired with cheese or meats, or even used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just indulging in a quiet night at home, this spiced cranberry wine jelly is sure to impress.
But that’s not all – this recipe is also incredibly easy to make! All you need are some basic ingredients like fresh or frozen cranberries, red wine (port or cabernet), and granulated sugar. With just a few simple steps, this delicious jelly can transform from an ordinary dish into an extraordinary treat.
In conclusion, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this spiced cranberry wine jelly recipe. From its unique blend of flavors to its versatility in pairing with different dishes, it’s no wonder why this recipe has become one of my favorites. Don’t wait any longer – try it out for yourself and discover why this jelly is the perfect addition to any meal or occasion.
Ingredient List
Here is what you’ll need to make Spiced Cranberry Wine Jelly:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir)
- 1 cup port wine
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black peppercorn
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
Note: The recipe could be tweaked to suit personal preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First, gather all the ingredients needed for this spiced cranberry wine jelly recipe. You will need 4 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries, 3 cups of cranberry juice, 2 cups of wine (red wine or port wine), 3-4 cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange zest, and granulated sugar.
Ensure you wash the cranberries thoroughly before using them.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large, deep saucepan, bring the cranberries and cranberry juice to a boil while stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add in the spices, including cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange zest. Be careful not to spill any on yourself as it drops quickly into the saucepan.
Step 3: Add Wine
Let the ingredients in the saucepan simmer for a few minutes then add two teaspoons of granulated sugar. When all the ingredients have dissolved and mixed properly, add in two cups of wine, and bring to boil again over high heat.
Step 4: Simmer
Once boiling resumes at high heat, reduce heat to medium and let it simmer until your mixture reduces by half. This may take about 40 minutes or longer. Stir your mixture occasionally so that it does not boil over.
Step 5: Cool
Once your mixture has reduced to half its size remove it from heat and let it cool for some time, around five minutes.
Step 6: Strain
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. You can throw away residual solids that get left behind in the sieve or find alternative uses. Keep stirring until all jelly goes through the mesh.
Step 7: Chill
pour your hot spiced cranberry wine jelly recipe into jars with lids and chill in a refrigerator overnight or for at least four hours.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your spiced cranberry wine jelly recipe is now ready to serve. Its taste can be enhanced by pairing it with a variety of foods, including cheese, crackers, or meats. You can also use it as a glaze over meat dishes such as pork or chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
Cranberry wine jelly is a versatile recipe that can be customized in numerous ways to suit your preferences or dietary requirements. Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Grape Varieties: You can experiment with different grape varieties to create unique flavor combinations. For example, you can use a Pinot Noir instead of a Cabernet Sauvignon to make a lighter, fruitier cranberry wine jelly, or a rosé wine for a sweeter taste.
– Fruit Substitutions: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, or you want a change of pace, you can try substituting them with frozen cranberries or other fruits like blueberries or strawberries. However, note that this will alter the taste of the jelly.
– Sugar Options: The recipe calls for granulated sugar but you can also use white sugar or brown sugar to add deeper flavor or replace it with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
– Spices Variations: You can tweak the spices and aromatics depending on your taste. For instance, consider substituting peppercorns with cloves, juniper berries or ginger. You may also add herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage for an extra nuanced flavor.
– Alcohol Variations: You don’t have to stick to the red wines suggested in the recipe; you could substitute Port and brandy with fortified wines like Sherry or Madeira as well.
– Texture tweaks: If seeking texture variation try adding little bit of Chia seeds which gets activated when mixed with liquid creating almost gelatinous texture.
Remember that these are just suggestions, and you should experiment until you find a cranberry wine jelly variation that perfectly suits your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
The Spiced Cranberry Wine Jelly is a versatile recipe that makes a great accompaniment to many dishes. Spread it on toast, muffins or scones for a delicious breakfast treat. It also pairs well with cheese, crackers or charcuterie boards for an easy appetizer.
For a more elevated dish, serve the jelly alongside roasted meats like turkey or pork. The sweetness of the jelly complements the savory flavors of the meat beautifully. It also adds color and texture to the plate, making it an impressive option for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
If you’re looking for a unique cocktail to impress your guests, try adding a dollop of the Spiced Cranberry Wine Jelly to your favorite drinks. The jelly blends well with various types of wines such as Pinot Noir or Rosé. Mixing it with cranberry juice and vodka will result in a tart and refreshing holiday-inspired cocktail.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing this jelly with spicy dishes to balance out the heat – the sweetness of the jelly will work wonders in taming down hot curries or chilies.
Overall, this spiced cranberry wine jelly is an incredible condiment that can be served in many ways – whether sweet or savory! Its versatility lends itself well to experimentation, so feel free to explore combinations that are suited for your individual preferences.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The spiced cranberry wine jelly is a perfect recipe to prepare in advance, especially if you’re planning a holiday gathering or special dinner.
To make ahead, follow the recipe instructions and allow the jelly to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the jelly from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. If you prefer it warm, transfer the jelly to a saucepan and heat it over low heat while stirring constantly until melted.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can reheat them by following the same method as described above.
Another option is to freeze your leftover spiced cranberry wine jelly for up to six months. To do this, place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and label it with the contents and date prepared.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to your preference.
This jelly makes great gifts too! You can make a large batch and store in jars. The jelly can be decorative with frosted cranberries as well. Don’t forget to tag them with labels stating the content and date of preparation.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making spiced cranberry wine jelly can be a fun and fulfilling activity, but it can also be intimidating to get the perfect results. Here are some tips that will help you create the perfect spiced cranberry wine jelly:
1. Use fresh or frozen cranberries
Fresh cranberries are always the best choice for making spiced cranberry wine jelly, but if they are not available, frozen ones can be used as well. Be sure to thaw them completely before using.
2. Choose the right wine
When choosing wine for your spiced cranberry wine jelly, opt for a fruity red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. These wines complement the tartness of the cranberries and add a rich flavor to the finished product.
3. Measure carefully
It’s important to measure all ingredients precisely, especially sugar and spices, as this can significantly affect the texture and taste of your jelly.
4. Boil vigorously
When making jelly, be sure to bring your mixture to a full rolling boil and let it continue boiling for at least one minute. This will ensure proper setting of the jelly.
5. Test for doneness
To test if the jelly is ready, place a small amount on a chilled plate and let it cool for a few seconds. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s done.
6. Skim off foam
During boiling, foam will form on the surface of your mixture. Remove this foam with a spoon to achieve a perfectly clear and smooth jam.
7. Add spices at the right time
Different spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and peppercorns should be added at specific times during cooking to ensure their flavors are just right.
8. Sterilize jars properly
Before filling jars with your delicious spiced cranberry wine jelly, make sure they’re clean and sterile by washing them in hot water or placing them in boiling water for a few minutes.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful and flavorful spiced cranberry wine jelly that will make all your dishes extra special.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this spiced cranberry wine jelly recipe is truly one-of-a-kind. It offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of spicy warmth, making it a deliciously unique addition to any meal. Not only is it an excellent accompaniment for cheese boards, but it also complements a wide range of dishes, such as roast turkey or ham on festive occasions. Moreover, it offers endless opportunities for customization.
From spiced cranberry jam to mulled wine cranberry jelly, there are countless variations that you can create using this basic recipe. So go ahead and experiment with different spices, wines, and ingredients to create your own unique jellies.
And lastly, don’t forget that this recipe isn’t just for eating – it also makes great gifts! Serve it up in cute little jars and give them to your friends and family members during the holiday season. They will surely be impressed by the homemade touch and the delicious flavors that come with this unique jelly.
Overall, this spiced cranberry wine jelly recipe is definitely something you should add to your holiday cooking repertoire – it’s easy to make and truly delicious!
Spiced Cranberry Wine Jelly Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup wine (port, madeira, or red wine)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon juniper berries
- 1/2 teaspoon telicherry peppercorn
- 4 cups cranberries (one 12-ounce bag)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, ten minutes until berries have burst and are soft.
- Strain through a fine sieve or food mill, pushing the soft solids through. Stir the pulp to combine thin and thick portions together. Discard solids left in sieve.
- Pour into serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate several hours until firm. Can be made several days ahead.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found