Fresh ideas for fresh cranberries

RachaelRaymag.com

Fresh cranberries are starting to appear in supermarkets and farmer's markets-and they're delicious right now.

Look for firm berries with shiny, jewel-red skin. Avoid soft or shriveled cranberries (overripe) and ones with a green ring around the stem (underripe). You can refrigerate them in their original packaging for up to one month, and freeze in an airtight bag for up to one year.

Here are a few fast ways to try them right now instead of waiting until Thanksgiving.



CRANBERRY AS "KETCHUP"
Cook with onions until caramelized, then puree with brown sugar and cider vinegar for a twist on ketchup.
Try it on: Roasted Pork with Oranges and Prunes »


CRANBERRY IN RELISH
Mix with orange juice and sugar and simmer until the berries burst, then stir in dijon mustard for a zesty relish.
Try it on: Turkey Meatloaf Sandwiches »


CRANBERRY IN SALSA
Pulse in a food processor with scallions, jalapeno, lime juice and sugar for a fruit salsa.
Try it in: Fruit-and-Brie Quesadillas »



CRANBERRY AS DRINK COOLER
Freeze whole to float as ice cubes in a holiday punch.
Try it in: Jewel Punch »



CRANBERRY IN DRESSING
Puree with walnuts, extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, sugar and salt for a salad dressing or meat marinade.
Try it on: Red Waldorf Salad »


CRANBERRY WITH VEGGIES
Stir-fry with shredded carrots, shaved fennel, grated orange peel and hoisin sauce.
Try it in: Vegetable Noodle Stir-Fry »



CRANBERRY IN COBBLER
Toss with sliced apples and pears, top with a sweet biscuit batter and bake for a fall fruit cobbler.
Try topping it with: Sweet Cream Biscuits »


CRANBERRY IN MUFFINS
Stir frozen into quick bread or muffin batter and add 10 minutes to the baking time.
Try adding it to: Banana-Walnut Muffins »



Recipe Ideas by Katie Barreira

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