Nov 2012

Cranberry-Apple Relish with Ginger and Chilies

Cranberry-Apple Relish with Ginger and Serrano

Traditional cranberry sauce is too sweet for the Vietnamese palate, which explains why I’ve been making and eating the fluorescent-hued condiment solo on every Thanksgiving in recent memory. A few of my cousins request a small serving out of curiosity, while an aunt or two might give it a try in the name of antioxidants, but no one really likes the chunky, fruity stuff but me. And I’m cool with that because I eat leftover cranberry sauce for fun and by the spoonful.

When I saw this recipe for cranberry-apple relish in last week’s New York Times article “Complements for the Chef” by David Tanis, I was immediately intrigued by the list of ingredients. Instead of the usual combination of simple syrup and cranberries, this one called for cider vinegar and apples with ginger, Serrano chili, and cayenne pepper flourishes. While straight up sweetness does not speak to my family, I am hoping that this tangy and spicy number with a hit of jammy-ness might do the trick.

With the assistance of my math whiz Astronomer, I adjusted the proportions from the original recipe to use an entire standard bag of cranberries (12 ounces). The recipe below reflects these changes. Other than that minor tweak and leaving the skins on the apples, this recipe is great as is. The relish’s flavors are fresh yet familiar, while the combination of chilies, ginger, and cayenne packs some real heat.

If I know my family as well as I think I do, it’s quite likely that even with this new recipe, I’ll still be the lone cranberry sauce eater at the table. And I’m cool with that because I eat leftover cranberry sauce for fun and by the spoonful. Happy Thanksgiving!

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 to 1 1/4 pounds tart, crisp apples cut in 1/2-inch chunks
  • 12 ounces cranberries
  • 2 1/3 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeño or Serrano chili
  • Pinch cayenne pepper

Cranberry-Apple Relish with Ginger and Serrano

Begin by chopping the apples, grating the ginger, and mincing the chili.

Cranberry-Apple Relish with Ginger and Serrano

Over medium heat, in wide stainless steel skillet, heat sugar, vinegar and salt, stirring to dissolve.

Cranberry-Apple Relish with Ginger and Serrano

Add chopped apples and cranberries, and increase heat to medium-high. Let fruit cook, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring carefully, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.

Cranberry-Apple Relish with Ginger and Serrano

Add ginger, jalapeño and cayenne, mix gently and cool to room temperature. May be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 4 days.

Cranberry-Apple Relish with Ginger and Serrano

Makes about 3 cups.

Recipe adapted from “Complements for the Chef” by David Tanis [For Printable Recipe Click Here]

One year ago: The Pie Hole – Los Angeles (Downtown)
Two years ago: Turkey Broth and Turkey Noodle Soup
Three years ago: Lomo Arigato – Los Angeles
Four years ago: Marston’s – Pasadena
Five years ago: Vegetation Profile: Winter Melon
Six years ago: Naked Chocolate Cafe – Philadelphia

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