Ina Garten’s Cranberry Fruit Conserve is a flavorful and festive dish perfect for the holiday season. Made with fresh cranberries, citrus zest, apples, and crunchy nuts, this conserve is a step above traditional cranberry sauce. Its balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors makes it a delicious accompaniment to roasted turkey, and ham, or even as a topping for desserts and breakfast dishes.

What is Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve?

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Fruit Conserve is a chunky and flavorful cranberry sauce infused with oranges, apples, and nuts. Unlike basic cranberry sauces, this version includes whole fruits and nuts for extra texture and a depth of flavor. It’s a perfect mix of tartness from cranberries, sweetness from apples and sugar, and crunch from walnuts or pecans.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

More flavorful than traditional cranberry sauce – The addition of oranges, apples, and nuts gives it a unique taste.
Easy to make with minimal effort – Takes just 30 minutes and a few simple ingredients.
Perfect for holiday meals – A great side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.
Versatile uses beyond dinner – Can be used as a topping for toast, yogurt, or desserts.
Make ahead-friendly – Stays fresh for days, making holiday prep easier.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
1 orange, zested and juiced
½ cup raisins (golden or regular)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

Cook the cranberries – In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Add the apple – Stir in the diced apple and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix in the citrus and raisins – Add the orange zest, orange juice, and raisins, and continue cooking for 5 more minutes.
Remove from heat – Take the saucepan off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Stir in the nuts – Once slightly cooled, add the chopped walnuts or pecans and mix well.
Let it set – Allow the conserve to cool completely before transferring it to a serving dish or storage container.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

Serve alongside roasted turkey or ham – A classic pairing for holiday meals.
Spread on toast or biscuits – A delicious topping for breakfast.
Use as a cheese board accompaniment – Pairs well with Brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
Top yogurt or oatmeal – Adds a fruity, nutty boost to morning meals.
Drizzle over vanilla ice cream – A sweet and tangy topping for dessert.
Make a sandwich spread – Use it in leftover turkey sandwiches for extra flavor.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

Use fresh cranberries for the best texture – Frozen cranberries can be used but may take longer to cook.
Adjust sweetness to taste – If you prefer a less sweet conserve, reduce the sugar slightly.
Let the flavors meld before serving – Chilling for a few hours enhances the taste.
Toast the nuts for extra flavor – Lightly toasting walnuts or pecans deepens their flavor.
Make it ahead for convenience – The conserve tastes even better the next day.
Use organic oranges for zest – This avoids any wax or pesticide residue.
Try different dried fruits – Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for variation.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

Add a splash of Grand Marnier – Enhances the citrus notes with a touch of liqueur.
Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar – Adds a caramel-like sweetness.
Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg – Spices complement the cranberries beautifully.
Replace nuts with sunflower seeds – A nut-free alternative with crunch.
Include diced pears instead of apples – A subtle twist on texture and flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 10 days.
Freeze for longer storage – Can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge – If frozen, let it defrost in the refrigerator before serving.
Stir before serving – This ensures an even distribution of flavors after storage.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve

Serve chilled or at room temperature – No need to reheat unless preferred warm.
Warm gently on the stove – Heat over low heat for a few minutes if desired.
Microwave in short bursts – Warm in 15-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How long does Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve last in the fridge?

Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve stays fresh for up to 10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious.

Can I freeze Ina Garten Cranberry Fruit Conserve?

Yes, this cranberry conserve can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I substitute for raisins in cranberry fruit conserve?

If you don’t like raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried apricots for a similar chewy texture and sweetness.

Can I make this cranberry conserve without nuts?

Yes, you can omit the nuts if needed. To maintain some crunch, try adding sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or pomegranate arils as an alternative.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cranberry Fruit Conserve is a vibrant and flavorful alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. With a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors, it’s a must-have for holiday meals and beyond.

Try it today and enjoy a homemade twist on a classic favorite!