Traditional Cranberry Gelatin Delight

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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Traditional Cranberry Gelatin Delight is a nostalgic, vibrant dish that brings a touch of sweet and tart to any gathering. Perfect for the holiday table or a summer picnic, this recipe is a delicious blend of fruity flavors and crunchy textures.

Ingredients for Traditional Cranberry Gelatin Delight

The whole cranberry sauce provides a sweet-tart base with a hint of texture, while the raspberry gelatin beautifully complements the cranberry with its rich berry flavor. Adding boiling water helps dissolve the gelatin, and cold water cools it down to the perfect setting temperature. The crushed pineapple imparts a tropical sweetness, while the chopped walnuts offer a satisfying crunch. Celery introduces a refreshing, crisp texture, and the diced apple contributes a hint of natural sweetness. Lastly, a splash of lemon juice brightens up the entire dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding the other ingredients to avoid any gritty texture.
  • Use a decorative mold to create a beautiful presentation.
  • Chop the ingredients into small, uniform pieces for the best texture.
  • Allow the dish to set overnight for a firmer texture and more developed flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry gelatin delight pairs well with roasted turkey or ham, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. It also complements a cheese platter or can be served as a light dessert alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
Using fresh cranberries requires additional cooking and sweetening, so it's not a direct substitute. Stick with the canned sauce for ease and consistency.
How long can I store this dish?
Once set, the gelatin can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just keep it covered to maintain freshness.
Is there a substitute for walnuts?
If you're not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds can be used for a similar crunch.

Traditional Cranberry Gelatin Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by boiling some water. Once it's bubbling, pour 1 cup of the hot water into a medium-sized bowl. Immediately stir in the raspberry gelatin until it's completely dissolved. You'll want to make sure there are no granules left lurking at the bottom.

Next, add 1 cup of cold water to the mix. This helps the gelatin cool down and start setting up. Stir it well, and then grab that can of whole cranberry sauce. Add it to the bowl, stirring until it's fully mixed in. The goal is to have the cranberry sauce evenly distributed throughout the gelatin.

Now it's time for the extras. Toss in the crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, celery, diced apple, and lemon juice. Give everything a good stir so that all those flavors mingle nicely. At this point, you'll notice the mixture getting thicker and more textured.

Pour the concoction into your favorite mold or serving dish. Make sure it's spread out evenly so it sets uniformly. Then, pop it into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. This waiting period is crucial for the gelatin to firm up properly.

Once it's set, you can either unmold it onto a serving platter or dish it up straight from its container. Enjoy the colorful, fruity delight!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • A crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages.
  • Can be made ahead, freeing up time for other dishes.

Ingredients

1 can (14 oz) whole cranberry sauce
1 package (3 oz) raspberry gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup diced apple
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, dissolve the raspberry gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Stir in 1 cup of cold water, mixing thoroughly.
3. Add the whole cranberry sauce, ensuring it is fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, celery, diced apple, and lemon juice.
5. Pour the mixture into a mold or serving dish.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
7. Once set, unmold or serve directly from the dish.

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