Gigi's Cranberry Relish

My beautiful grandma made this cranberry relish every Thanksgiving and Christmas, and after she passed away in 2009, I have taken over making it for our holiday celebrations.  I love making it, and when I do, I think about her, and how she would have done things, from picking up the ingredients at the store, to being very orderly about how everything had to be put together, to putting the finishing touch on top with orange slices and her favorite maraschino cherries. 

I know she would be so happy that her tradition continues.  She would also love knowing that every holiday season, I get multiple requests for her recipe!  

Gigi’s Cranberry Relish
1 large package Jell-O (cherry or strawberry)
1 c. water
1 package fresh cranberries
1 orange (peeled)
2 c. sugar
1-2 apples (seeded, with peel)
1 c. nuts 
1 can crushed pineapple (drained really well!!) 
​
Add Jell-O to one cup of boiling water and set aside.  In a blender or food processor, grind the cranberries with the orange.  Put in a bowl, mix with sugar and set aside. Grind apples and set aside.  Chop nuts and set aside.  Let all ingredients sit for two hours.  Mix together with crushed pineapple and refrigerate until set.

I’m not sure why you have to keep everything separate, or why it has to sit for two hours before you mix it, but I don’t recommend straying from her exact recipe.  It turns out great every time, and I think it tastes even better over the next couple of days.  I usually double the recipe because everyone wants to take some home for leftovers!  

​ENJOY!  XO