We’re thrilled to dive into our favorite Cranberry Celebration Kroger Recipe, a festive twist on holiday classics that’s sure to brighten any gathering. Originating from Kroger’s fresh, vibrant ingredients, this dish captures the tart sweetness of cranberries in a way that feels both comforting and innovative.
We love how it brings people together with its easy prep and bold flavors, making it ideal for seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a recipe we’ll return to year after year.
Ingredients
In our Cranberry Celebration Kroger recipe, we focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients that highlight the tart sweetness of cranberries for a festive twist. Below, we list them in the order we use them, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Fresh cranberries: 2 cups, rinsed and sorted to remove any stems or damaged berries – We start with these as the base, ensuring they’re chilled for optimal texture.
- Orange: 1 medium, zested and juiced – Next, we prepare this to add bright citrus notes that complement the cranberries’ tartness.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup – We incorporate this sweetener early to balance flavors as the mixture develops.
- Apple: 1 large Granny Smith, peeled cored and diced – Added after the base for crispness and a subtle tart contrast.
- Walnuts: ½ cup, roughly chopped – We use these later for crunch, toasting them lightly if desired for enhanced nutty flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Finally, this spice is included to infuse warmth and depth, elevating the holiday essence.
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients gathered, we’re ready to transform them into the vibrant Cranberry Celebration Kroger recipe. Let’s follow these straightforward steps to craft a dish bursting with tart sweetness and holiday warmth.
Prep
Before we dive into cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to ensure everything blends seamlessly. Start by rinsing 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel to remove any impurities—this step highlights the plump, ruby-red berries that form the heart of our festive dish.
Next, take 1 large orange and zest it finely to yield about 1 tablespoon of aromatic zest, which adds a bright, citrusy perfume. Then, juice the orange to get ¼ cup of tangy liquid that will enhance the cranberries’ natural tartness.
Dice 1 medium Granny Smith apple into small, uniform ¼-inch pieces for a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft berries. Roughly chop ½ cup of walnuts to create crunchy bits that provide a satisfying nutty depth.
Finally, measure out ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to infuse a warm, spicy essence that evokes holiday memories—now our prep is complete and our ingredients are primed for the next stage.
Cook
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we’ll cook them to develop rich flavors and a glossy texture. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the 2 cups of fresh cranberries, ¼ cup of orange juice, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to simmer—this should take about 5 minutes and will release a fragrant steam that fills the kitchen with sweet-tart aromas.
Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for another 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to a jam-like consistency. The vibrant red color will deepen, signaling a perfect balance of tart and sweet notes that make this Kroger recipe irresistible.
Add the diced Granny Smith apple and cook for 2 more minutes to soften slightly while maintaining its crisp bite, then remove from heat to avoid overcooking and preserve the fresh apple crunch.
Assemble
With the cooked elements ready, we’ll assemble our Cranberry Celebration to create a harmonious, textured dish. Stir in the orange zest, roughly chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon into the warm cranberry mixture, ensuring even distribution for a symphony of flavors and textures that range from creamy sauce to nutty crunches.
Transfer the assembled mixture to a serving bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, allowing the cinnamon’s warmth to meld with the citrus notes. For the best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving—this step lets the flavors intensify, making it an ideal companion for holiday meals or casual gatherings.
Required Equipment
To bring our Cranberry Celebration Kroger recipe to life smoothly after prepping the ingredients and following the cooking steps, we rely on a few essential tools. These items ensure efficiency and precision, allowing us to achieve that perfect tart-sweet balance and festive texture without hassle.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely dicing the Granny Smith apple and roughly chopping the walnuts, minimizing mess and ensuring clean cuts.
- Chef’s Knife: Our go-to for precise chopping and dicing tasks; select a sharp, 8-inch blade to handle the apple and walnuts with ease, promoting safety and speed.
- Zester or Microplane Grater: Essential for zesting the orange to capture its bright citrus oils; we find a fine microplane delivers the best results for a vibrant flavor infusion.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: A must-have for extracting fresh orange juice efficiently, yielding about 1/2 cup without pulp interference to maintain the dish’s smooth consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and other ingredients; we recommend a set with both dry and liquid options for foolproof portioning.
- Medium Saucepan: Ideal for simmering the cranberries with orange juice and sugar; choose one with a 2-3 quart capacity to allow room for bubbling and thickening without overflow.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the mixture as the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, preventing sticking and preserving the saucepan’s surface.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the cooled mixture with diced apple and chopped walnuts, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures before chilling.
- Refrigerator: Necessary for the final chilling step to let flavors meld, enhancing the dish’s holiday essence; aim for at least 2 hours of cooling time for optimal taste.
Make-Ahead Tips
As passionate food enthusiasts, we often prepare our Cranberry Celebration Kroger recipe in advance to simplify holiday hosting and let the flavors deepen. This approach not only saves time on the day of your gathering but also enhances the tart sweetness of the cranberries and the warm spice of the cinnamon, creating a more cohesive and irresistible dish.
Preparing Components Ahead
To streamline your cooking process, we recommend prepping key elements the day before:
- Rinse and simmer the cranberries: Start by rinsing 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine them with the juice from one orange and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the berries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step allows the jam-like consistency to develop fully, intensifying the bright citrus notes.
- Prep the add-ins: Dice 1 Granny Smith apple and roughly chop 1/2 cup of walnuts ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator to maintain their crisp texture and prevent browning—toss the apple pieces with a light squeeze of lemon juice if preparing more than 2 hours in advance.
- Assemble the full mixture: Once the cranberry base is chilled, stir in the diced apple, chopped walnuts, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and zest from one orange. Cover and refrigerate the entire dish for at least 2 hours or overnight. We find that this melding process boosts the subtle tart contrast and crunch, making the final product even more flavorful.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
For optimal freshness, store your prepared Cranberry Celebration in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Below is a quick reference table for storage durations and tips:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 3 days | Keep covered to preserve moisture and prevent the walnuts from softening; stir gently before serving to redistribute flavors. |
| Frozen | Up to 2 months | Portion into freezer-safe bags for easy thawing; defrost in the refrigerator overnight and stir well to restore the original texture. |
If reheating is needed, gently warm the mixture on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon to avoid overheating and maintain the vibrant red hue of the cranberries. Remember, these make-ahead strategies ensure your dish remains a festive highlight, ready to impress at any seasonal event.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing the Cranberry Celebration recipe and how it brings a fresh twist to our holiday tables. It’s more than just a dish—it’s a simple way to create memorable moments with loved ones.
By incorporating this into your gatherings, you’ll discover new flavors that elevate any meal. We encourage you to make it your go-to tradition and enjoy the festive vibes it delivers year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cranberry Celebration recipe from Kroger?
The Cranberry Celebration is a festive holiday dish from Kroger that puts a fresh twist on traditional recipes. It features tart cranberries combined with zested orange, sugar, diced Granny Smith apple, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon for a comforting, innovative side. Perfect for seasonal gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and offers bold, balanced flavors.
What ingredients are needed for the Cranberry Celebration?
Key ingredients include fresh cranberries as the base, zested and juiced orange for citrus notes, granulated sugar for sweetness, diced Granny Smith apple for crunch, roughly chopped walnuts for texture, and ground cinnamon for warmth. These simple, fresh components create a tart-sweet dish ideal for holidays.
How do you prepare the Cranberry Celebration?
Start by rinsing cranberries and prepping other ingredients like zesting and juicing an orange, dicing apple, and chopping walnuts. Simmer cranberries with orange juice and sugar until they burst and thicken. Add apple and other ingredients, then chill for at least two hours to meld flavors. It’s straightforward and ready in under an hour of active time.
What equipment is required for making this recipe?
You’ll need a cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, zester or microplane, citrus juicer, measuring cups and spoons, medium saucepan, wooden spoon or spatula, and a mixing bowl. These basics ensure smooth prep and cooking, emphasizing safety and efficiency for home cooks.
Can you make Cranberry Celebration ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components like rinsing and simmering cranberries in advance. Assemble the full mixture and refrigerate for optimal flavor melding. This makes it easy for holiday hosting, allowing you to focus on guests while keeping the dish fresh and festive.
How should you store the Cranberry Celebration?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to two months to preserve flavors. For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop to maintain texture and color, ensuring it stays vibrant for your next gathering.
How long does the Cranberry Celebration last?
Refrigerated, it lasts up to three days; frozen, up to two months. Always check for freshness before serving to enjoy its best tart-sweet taste. Proper storage helps maintain the dish’s holiday appeal without compromising quality.