Uncle Bill’s Cranberry Chutney ๐ฒ is a delightful blend of flavors perfect for enhancing any meal, especially during the festive seasons of Christmas ๐ and Thanksgiving ๐ฆ. This tantalizing chutney boasts a combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, zesty oranges, crunchy pecans, and aromatic spices, creating a symphony of tastes that will surely impress your family and friends. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total time of 1 hour, this recipe yields approximately 7 cups of delicious chutney, making it ideal for sharing and gifting.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 navel oranges, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups tarragon vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Start by washing and rinsing the cranberries thoroughly in cold water to remove any debris.
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Cooking:
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine all the ingredients โ cranberries, onion, apples, oranges, pecans, garlic, brown sugar, tarragon vinegar, fresh tarragon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. This should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
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Simmering:
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir frequently until the chutney slightly thickens and the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Preparing Jars:
- While the chutney is simmering, prepare 7 half-pint jars by washing them with soap and hot water. Rinse the jars well with clean hot water.
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Place the clean jars upside down on the oven rack and heat them for at least 15 minutes.
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Filling Jars:
- Once the chutney is ready, ladle it into the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a proper seal.
- Apply the lids according to the manufacturer’s directions, and screw them on just finger tight.
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Sealing:
- Place the filled jars on a towel and cover them with another towel until they cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you may hear a satisfying “pop” sound, indicating that they are sealed properly. Additionally, the lids should be concave (depressed down).
- Label the sealed jars and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Enjoy Uncle Bill’s Cranberry Chutney as a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats, sandwiches, cheeses, or as a delightful gift for your loved ones. This versatile chutney is sure to become a staple in your holiday menu and beyond! ๐