Christmas Cranberries

Total Time:Prep: 35 min. Process: 15 min.

Recipe by Becky Jo Smith, Kettle Falls, Washington

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Updated on Nov. 09, 2022

Bourbon adds bite to this holiday standby, packed in a small heavy-duty glass storage container with a tight-fitting lid. Wrap in a vintage tea towel or cloth napkin, cinch with ribbon and adorn with small ornaments. —Becky Jo Smith, Kettle Falls, Washington

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Christmas Cranberries

Contest Winner
Yield:4 half-pints
Prep:35 min
Cook:15 min

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (12 ounces each) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Shop Recipe

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice and bourbon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until berries pop and mixture has thickened, 18-22 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and orange zest. Ladle hot mixture into 4 hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.
  3. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes. Remove jars and cool.