Discover a delightful fusion of tart and sweet flavors with this cranberry-pineapple delight. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a refreshing treat any time of the year, this dish offers a unique twist to traditional fruit sauces. The combination of cranberries and pineapples creates a vibrant, flavorful experience that will leave your taste buds craving more.
If you're not accustomed to working with fresh cranberries or pineapples, you may need to take a little extra care when selecting these items at the supermarket. Fresh cranberries are typically found in the produce section, especially around the holiday season, while canned or fresh pineapples can be found year-round. Make sure to choose ripe and firm pineapples. If using canned pineapples, ensure they are packed in juice, not syrup, to maintain the right balance of flavors.
Ingredients For Cranberry-Pineapple Delight
Cranberries: These tart berries provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple, essential for the sauce's flavor profile.
Pineapples: Sweet and juicy, pineapples add a tropical twist to the dish and balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Sugar: Necessary for sweetening the sauce and balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
One reader, Ira Hester says:
Cranberry-pineapple delight is a fantastic blend of tart and sweet flavors. The cranberries and pineapple complement each other perfectly, creating a refreshing and delicious treat. It's easy to make and a hit at gatherings. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Cranberry-Pineapple Delight
How to drain liquid from pineapples: Open the can of pineapples and pour the liquid through a strainer into a measuring cup, ensuring no pineapple pieces fall into the cup. How to use a food processor: Place the cranberries or pineapples into the food processor, secure the lid, and pulse until the desired consistency is achieved. How to bring to a boil: Heat the liquid and sugar mixture over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble vigorously. How to cook over medium heat: Adjust the stove to medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. How to refrigerate overnight: Transfer the cooled mixture to a covered container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How To Make Cranberry-Pineapple Sauce
Create a low carb version of a thanksgiving staple with this cranberry-pineapple sauce recipe. The addition of pineapple means less added sugar.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozcranberries,fresh
- 20ozpineapple,in pineapple juice
- ⅓cupsugar,or agave
Instructions
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Drain liquid from pineapples into a measuring cup. Add water to get a total of 1 cup liquid. Add to sauce pan with sugar and bring to a boil.
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Place cranberries in a food processor or chopper and chop fine.
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Add to pan and stir well.
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Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.
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Place pineapple in a food processor and chop. Add crushed pineapples to cranberry sauce and cook one more minute.
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Allow to cool then place in a covered container and refrigerate overnight.
Nutrition
- Calories: 2260.38kcal
- Fat: 3.41g
- Saturated Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.23g
- Carbohydrates: 590.49g
- Fiber: 64.30g
- Sugar: 460.41g
- Protein: 13.81g
- Sodium: 38.05mg
- Calcium: 323.82mg
- Potassium: 2842.45mg
- Iron: 7.86mg
- Vitamin A: 83.35µg
- Vitamin C: 1054.15mg
Helpful Technique for Making Cranberry-Pineapple Delight
When chopping cranberries and pineapple in the food processor, pulse in short bursts to avoid over-processing. This ensures a better texture and prevents the mixture from becoming too mushy.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Use canned pineapple: Opt for pre-crushed canned pineapple to skip the chopping step.
Pre-chop cranberries: Chop cranberries in advance and store them in the fridge.
Measure liquid first: Measure and prepare the pineapple liquid before starting to cook.
Simmer with lid: Cover the saucepan while simmering to reduce cooking time.
Cool quickly: Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet to cool faster before refrigerating.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry-Pineapple Sauce Recipe
cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a similar tartness and chewy texture, making them a good alternative to cranberries.
cranberries - Substitute with pomegranate seeds: Pomegranate seeds offer a burst of tart flavor and a similar color, which can mimic the appearance and taste of cranberries.
pineapple - Substitute with mango: Mango provides a sweet and tropical flavor that can complement the other ingredients similarly to pineapple.
pineapple - Substitute with peach: Peaches offer a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that can replace the sweetness of pineapple.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note, making it a good substitute for sugar.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Cranberry-Pineapple Delight
Serve in elegant glassware: Present the cranberry-pineapple delight in a clear, stemmed glass to showcase its vibrant colors and textures.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh mint or basil on top to provide a contrasting green color and a hint of freshness.
Add a citrus twist: Place a thin slice of orange or lemon on the rim of the glass to add a zesty aroma and a pop of color.
Incorporate edible flowers: Use a few edible flowers like pansies or violets to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Create layers: Layer the cranberry mixture and crushed pineapple in the glass to create a visually appealing contrast.
Serve with a delicate spoon: Provide a small, elegant dessert spoon to enhance the dining experience and make it easier to savor each bite.
Chill before serving: Ensure the cranberry-pineapple delight is well-chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities and provide a pleasant texture.
Add a dollop of cream: Top with a small dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone to add a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cranberries.
Drizzle with honey: Lightly drizzle honey over the top for a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish.
Serve on a decorative plate: Place the glass on a beautifully decorated plate with a few scattered cranberries and pineapple chunks for added visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
Measuring cup: Used to measure the liquid from the pineapples and add water to get a total of 1 cup of liquid.
Saucepan: Used to combine the liquid and sugar, and bring them to a boil.
Food processor: Used to chop the cranberries and pineapples finely.
Stirring spoon: Used to stir the mixture in the saucepan to ensure it cooks evenly.
Covered container: Used to store the cranberry-pineapple delight in the refrigerator overnight.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- This cranberry-pineapple delight can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.
- If you want to keep the cranberry-pineapple delight for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option:
- Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe container, leaving about half an inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Seal the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then wrap the entire container in aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of your frozen cranberry-pineapple delight.
- When properly stored, the cranberry-pineapple delight can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw the frozen cranberry-pineapple delight, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
- Once thawed, give the cranberry-pineapple delight a good stir to redistribute any separated juices and serve chilled.
- If you notice any signs of mold, off-odors, or significant changes in texture after thawing, it's best to discard the cranberry-pineapple delight for safety reasons.
How To Reheat Cranberry-Pineapple Delight Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover cranberry-pineapple delight is to scoop the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring every 20 seconds, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the cranberries and pineapple are evenly heated without overcooking or drying out the mixture.
Another option is to reheat the cranberry-pineapple delight in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. This method allows you to control the temperature more precisely and is ideal if you prefer a slightly thicker consistency.
If you want to give your leftover cranberry-pineapple delight a fresh twist, try spreading it on top of a slice of toasted bread or a bagel for a delightful breakfast treat. The heat from the toasted bread will gently warm the cranberry and pineapple mixture, creating a delicious and satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
For a quick and easy dessert, spoon the leftover cranberry-pineapple delight over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, tangy cranberry-pineapple mixture and the cool, creamy ice cream is sure to delight your taste buds. This method requires no additional heating, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert option.
Interesting Trivia About Cranberry-Pineapple Delight
A random fact about this recipe is that the combination of cranberries and pineapples not only creates a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors but also provides a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a tasty and nutritious treat.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?
The cranberry-pineapple delight is quite cost-effective. With only three main ingredients—cranberries, pineapple, and sugar—this dessert can be made for approximately $6-$8, serving a household of four. The use of seasonal fruits like cranberries and canned pineapple keeps costs low. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The cranberry-pineapple delight recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it primarily consists of fruits. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, while pineapples provide a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and digestive enzymes. However, the addition of sugar in the recipe slightly reduces its overall healthiness.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Add other nutrient-dense fruits like apples or oranges to increase the fiber content and variety of vitamins and minerals
- Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to enhance the flavor while adding anti-inflammatory properties
- Serve the delight as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal to create a more balanced and filling meal or snack
By making these adjustments, you can boost the nutritional value of the cranberry-pineapple delight without compromising on taste. The recipe's simplicity and use of whole fruits make it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and refreshing treat.
The Editor's Opinion on Cranberry-Pineapple Delight
This cranberry-pineapple delight recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional cranberry sauce. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet pineapple creates a balanced flavor profile that's both vibrant and festive. The method is straightforward, ensuring the fruit's natural textures and flavors shine through. However, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice for added depth. Allowing it to chill overnight enhances the melding of flavors, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for holiday gatherings. Overall, it's a delightful and versatile addition to any table.
Enhance Your Cranberry-Pineapple Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Cranberry-Pineapple Sauce Recipe:
This cranberry-pineapple delight recipe is a perfect blend of tart and sweet, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The combination of fresh cranberries and juicy pineapple creates a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures a natural taste, while the easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible for cooks of all levels. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and straightforward preparation, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
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