WAHLBERG'S CRANBERRY RELISH

I don’t know what is bigger news that I made a cranberry orange relish or that the recipe came from Mark Wahlberg’s brother. It turns out Marky Mark from the Funky Bunch has an older brother, Paul. I think Paul’s creative contribution was a little restaurant called Wahlburgers. So full props to Mark Wahlberg’s brother, Paul for this cranberry relish recipe.

And, you can get all the props when you present this homemade side dish with no sign of a can of Libby’s Libby’s Libby’s on the table!

Does anyone remember that little commercial jingle?

CRANBERRY ORANGE RELISH

In full disclosure, I thought if I included Mark’s name in the recipe my family would be more inclined to try a tart-tasting side dish. This is one of several recipes I have made from the celebrity recipe section in the back of People (the magazine).

And the Wahlberg Orange Cranberry Sauce is a new family favorite. This cranberry and orange side dish is a fun twist for any holiday.

Oranges, Apples & Cranberries

I loved the sweet and tart mix of cranberries, apples and orange zest. As with all of my recipes, I tweak them a bit and this cranberry orange sauce is no exception.

I skipped the thyme sprigs because that would have meant a third trip to the grocery store. Instead, I just added a little bit more orange zest. Yes, I have a bowl of oranges and boxwood! That trend started after this tablescape.

The flavors bubbled just to the edge of the saucepan. With the bubbling mixture of tart cranberries and Granny Smith apples and sweet oranges, I waited for the familiar sound of cranberries popping. Just remember don’t get distracted by the Hallmark Christmas movie playing in the background and forget to stir the pot.

CRANBERRY ORANGE RELISH RECIPE

The key to this recipe is listening for the cranberries to “pop.” Trust me they will. And, make sure to pour the sauce into the serving dish before you chill it in the fridge. Trust me.

Total sidebar but how many of you still like to print recipes? Do you pin and print? I still love a printed recipe. You?

INGREDIENTS

1 CUP SUGAR

4 CUPS FRESH CRANBERRIES

ORANGE PEELED, SECTIONED AND CHOPPED

1 TBSP ORANGE ZEST FOR GARNISH

SMALL GRANNY APPLE, UNPEELED AND DICED

SPRIG OF THYME

DIRECTIONS

COMBINE SUGAR AND 1/2 CUP WATER IN A DUTCH OVEN + HEAT OVER MEDIUM HEAT

STIR TO DISSOLVE SUGAR.

COOK WITHOUT STIRRING UNTIL THE MIXTURE TURNS A LIGHT MAHOGANY OR MERLOT.