Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold is a delightful and classic holiday dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of various fruits and often includes nuts. Here’s a detailed response, complete with emojis, for you:
🍽️ What is Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold?
Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold is a festive, fruity, and slightly tangy side dish that’s commonly served during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a type of cranberry salad that’s molded into a decorative shape and chilled until set. This dish adds a burst of vibrant color to the holiday table and pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
📜 History:
The exact history of Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold is a bit elusive, as it’s typically a family recipe passed down through generations. However, it is part of the broader tradition of cranberry-based side dishes in North America, which likely dates back to the early colonial period when cranberries were discovered by European settlers. Over time, people started incorporating cranberries into various recipes, including cranberry sauces and molds, to celebrate the bountiful harvest of this native North American fruit.
🥘 Components:
The ingredients for Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold can vary slightly based on family preferences, but the typical components include:
- Fresh cranberries
- Canned crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Mini marshmallows
- Sugar (for sweetness)
- Gelatin (usually raspberry or cherry-flavored)
- Lemon or orange zest (for added zing)
- Water
👩🍳 Steps to Prepare Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold:
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Prep Ingredients: Start by washing the cranberries, draining the canned pineapple, chopping the nuts, and zesting the lemon or orange.
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Cook Cranberries: In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and a cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
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Add Gelatin: While the cranberry mixture is still hot, stir in the gelatin until it dissolves completely.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cranberry mixture with the drained pineapple, chopped nuts, citrus zest, and marshmallows. Mix everything thoroughly.
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Chill in Mold: Pour the mixture into a decorative mold or a plain glass dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or until it’s completely set. This can take 4-6 hours or overnight.
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Serve: Once the mold has set, carefully unmold it onto a serving platter, and you’re ready to serve. It can be sliced and served as a side dish alongside your holiday feast.
⏰ Time Needed to Prepare:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold can vary, but it typically takes around 30 minutes for preparation and 4-6 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator for the mold to set. So, it’s best to prepare this dish in advance to ensure it’s ready to serve when your holiday meal is served.
Enjoy making Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold for your next holiday gathering 🦃🎄, and let me know if you have any more questions! 🍽️🍊🌰
Certainly! Here’s the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: About 150-200 calories per 1/2 cup serving
- Total Fat: Approximately 5-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: Less than 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: Less than 10 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: Around 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: About 20-25 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Vitamin C: Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, providing a significant portion of your daily needs.
- Antioxidants: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which may have various health benefits, including promoting urinary tract health.
🌿 Health Information:
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Cranberries: These small, red berries are known for their high levels of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and vitamin C. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage and may support overall health.
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Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol: Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold is typically low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol, which is a heart-healthy aspect of this dish.
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Fiber: The mold contains some dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. It can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
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Moderation is Key: While this dish has healthful elements like cranberries and nuts, it’s also sweetened with sugar and often contains marshmallows. Moderation is key, as consuming excessive added sugars can have negative health effects.
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Nuts: Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also provide essential nutrients and can contribute to a balanced diet. However, they are calorie-dense, so it’s important to consume them in moderation.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The mold may also contain various vitamins and minerals from the cranberries, citrus zest, and pineapple, which can contribute to your overall nutrient intake.
Remember that the specific nutrition content can vary based on the exact recipe and portion size. It’s always a good practice to be mindful of portion sizes and dietary preferences, especially during holiday feasts. Enjoy Aunt Vera’s Cranberry Mold as a festive treat, but balance it with other nutritious choices for a well-rounded meal. 🥗🍽️
