My Mother's Cranberry Sauce 2 Ways

[danpeikes]

Just like in every movie where a guy is being hassled by the cops, you can do this the easy way or the hard way. Both of these can be made ahead. I actually like this better the day after I make it so the flavors have time come together. First the easy way which is the way my mother does it:

1 Can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1 Can Mandarin Oranges Drained
1 Can of Crushed Pineapple Drained
1 Package of Strawberry (or other red jello) made per directions on the box

Break up the jello with a fork and mix in the cranberry sauce, mandarins, and pineapple. Chill and serve.

And now the hard way, or the way I do it:


2 Bags of Fresh Cranberries
1 Bottle or Cherry 7-Up
1 Can Mandarin Oranges Drained
1 Can of Crushed Pineapple Drained
1 Package of Strawberry (or other red jello) made per directions on the box

Add the cranberries and the Cherry 7-Up to a medium sized pot on medium high heat until it comes to a boil. After it comes to boil turn it down to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
Break up the jello with a fork and mix in the cranberry, mandarins, and pineapple. Chill and serve.

 

[Aunt Bea]

The second method reminds me of the Coca-Cola salad from the fifties.

Was that your inspiration?

 

[danpeikes]

The second method reminds me of the Coca-Cola salad from the fifties.

Was that your inspiration?

Sorry I was born in the 80s and my mother was born in the 60s. The point of using the cherry 7-up is to get the sweetness need to mellow out the tartness of the cranberries and get the cherry and citrus flavor from it to add some more complexity. I think once I was making the sauce and I had an open bottle that was going flat so I decided to use it.