Thursday, December 12, 2013

Spicy Cranberry Chutney


After being underwhelmed with last night light's Cranberry Chutney attempt...I got to it again today.  Don't get me wrong, yesterday's attempt wasn't "bad" it's just not what I wanted it to be.  First of all the recipe I used called for way too many cloves for my taste.  I also wasn't sold on the added dried pineapple.  I enjoy dried fruit but I'm really picky about it - only no sugar added brands (the most amazing one being Steve's Paleo Goods Dried Fruit).
With less dried fruit and eliminating cloves completely I gathered ingredients and equipment.  I used the National Center for Home Food Preservation's recipe for Cranberry Orange Chutney as my base.  From there I made some changes.... 

24 ounces Fresh whole cranberries
2 cups chopped white onion
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 cups golden raisins
1 cup brown sugar (see note)
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup orange juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp cayenne pepper flakes (this made it super spicy which I love...I would recommend you try 1/2 tsp first and give it a taste)
1/2 tsp yellow mustard seed

*Note: Cranberries have quite a bit of natural pectin which allows them to gel nicely.  Therefore not much sugar is needed to get a really nice set. 

Prepare jars and lids for canning.

Rinse cranberries and combine all above ingredients in a large pot.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Then lessen heat to a gentle boil for 15 minutes until cranberries soften.  Stir often.  Remove the cinnamon stick. 

Fill hot, clean half pint jars with chutney leaving a 1/2 inch head space. Remove air bubbles using a chopstick or "bubbling tool."  Don't use knives as they could scratch the jars.  Wipe rims of jars with clean damp towel.  Apply lids and bands.  Process for 10 minutes for 0-1,000 ft. above sea level.

If you aren't a canner or just don't feel like processing no problem!  Place Chutney in the fridge after cooking. Use as soon as possible. 
The Chutney was so yummy I popped open a jar and put some on my burger patty for lunch!  

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