There are so many variations. These are two that are a little different from the usual but very delicious. I love the taste of vanilla in the first one, and I love the combination of cherries in the second.
Caramel Cranberry Relish
1 Large orange, chopped with skin into small dice
1 c Sugar
2 tb + 1/4 c water
2 ts Ginger, fresh, grated
1 Cinnamon stick
1 Vanilla bean, split lengthwise
1 lb Cranberries, picked over
1/2 c Raisins
1.Combine sugar and 2 tb of water in a large, heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring. until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking, without stirring, just until mixture turns golden brown.
2.Stir in orange pieces, ginger, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
3.Stir in cranberries, raisins and remaining 1/4 c water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for 5-8 minutes, or until half of the cranberries pop open.
4.Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool. Remove cinnamon stick and vanilla bean. Refrigerate in tightly closed jar - keeps for 3 months.
Cranberry Cherry Relish
1 c Cherries, canned or fresh, pitted
1 1/2 c Cranberries, picked over
2 c Brown sugar
1 1/2 c Raisins
1/2 ts Cinnamon
1/2 ts Cloves
1 Orange, seeds removed, chopped into small dice
1 Lemon, seeds removed, chopped into small dice
1/3 c Vinegar (cider or another mild vinegar)
1/2 Stick cinnamon
1/2 ts Nutmeg, fresh grated
1.Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cook slowly, stirring often, over medium heat until mixture thickens.
2.Remove the pan from heat and set aside to cool. Remove cinnamon stick. Refrigerate in tightly closed jar - keeps for 3 months.