My Dad’s Famous Cranberry Relish
Every Thanksgiving and every Christmas we enjoy my dad’s famous cranberry relish.
If you can’t wait for the recipe, skip to the bottom of this post.
Jump to RecipeIt was so famous, in fact, they even served this relish at our family’s restaurant, Baldwin’s, on Thanksgiving. Everyone LOVED it. I can’t say I miss working the holidays at my family’s restaurant BUT I do miss my dad. We had a close bond and around the holidays I miss him even more.
I just whipped up a batch of his famous relish and I’m actually eating it while I write this post. It reminds me of him. I can picture him standing behind the bar, in his khakis and tie, eating a helping of this relish from an onion soup bowl.
I shared this relish shortly after starting the blog, 8 years ago to be exact – HERE. I thought it was time to update the recipe a little and certainly update the pictures. Look at how little Conor was! He sure did love helping Grampy do everything and he was excited to learn to make Grampy’s famous relish.
The best part of this recipe is it’s so easy. The holidays are such a busy and hectic time but with this recipe – all you need to open a few packages and assemble. People will think you spent ages cooking cranberries. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me!
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My dad liked things on the sweeter side so I’ve updated the recipe to reflect a more tart relish.
My Dad’s Famous Cranberry Relish
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cans (16 ounces each) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen whole strawberries without sugar, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Orange Zest (optional)
Method
Mix ingredients in a bowl and serve. It makes 6 1/2 cups and tastes better chilled.
That’s it! So easy, right?!?
My dad used sweetened strawberries but I like it with unsweetened. I’ve also added orange zest to this recipe using a mircoplane. It gives a nice citrus vibe that isn’t overpowering. All the berries and pineapple mix for a lovely relish which pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, ham, or chicken.
The walnuts give a lovely texture and meaty flavor. I add a few extra chopped walnuts on top for serving.
I hope you love my dad’s famous cranberry relish as much as we do!
Oh, also wanted to mention the tea towel and grasses are from Trader Joe’s and the beautiful bowl is from J Curtis Ceramics.
Cranberry Relish
Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple crushed
- 2 cans (16 oz each) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 16 oz package frozen whole strawberries without sugar
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1 orange zested
Instructions
- Mix together the above ingredients
- Chill in the fridge until ready to serve
- Serve chilled with Turkey or other roast meat
Notes
Wishing you all the best Thanksgiving tomorrow! I’m so thankful for all of you at home who take time to read this little blog with each new post. Thank you xxx
Happy Thanksgiving, Danielle. The recipe sounds delicious and I look forward to trying it. Enjoy the holiday.
Judy
I hope you love it as much as we do! Happy Thanksgiving, Judy xx
I’ve made a similar cranberry salad for about a decade, but cook a bag of fresh cranberries with a little water and stevia then add the crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts and a box of sugar free black cherry Jello. Everyone loves it. I’m not a big fan of citrus peel so probably would skip that, but will certainly try adding strawberries. This is so good with cottage cheese for breakfast! Thanks for sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!
Maybe I’ll try to simmer some cranberries at Christmas. Thanks for the idea. Ooooh, and definitely going to try this with cottage cheese for breakfast. That sounds lovely.
I love that your Dad’s cranberry relish is a part of your holiday. I make my mother’s cran relish each Thanksgiving & Christmas and not only does it taste good, but it always sparks memories around the table. I hope the same happens at your table (and I’m certain it does). Blessings to you and your family this holiday season
Your comment brought tears to my eyes. I love that you make your mom’s cran relish each Thanksgiving and Christmas. Eating a bowl the other day really made me think of my dad and I know it will remind us all of him tomorrow when we have dinner together. Sending you so much love and good cheer this holiday season. xx
Excited to try your dad’s Cranberry sauce on Christmas at my house… with friends in Napa, CA for Thanksgiving but maybe they’ll be up for something new 😋 we’ll see.
Thanks for sharing this family recipe ♥️ I’ll put it on a recipe card when I get home and can’t wait to try it on cottage cheese like Teddee said. Happy Thanksgiving Danielle to you and your family. 😍
Caren, what fun to be going to Napa for Thanksgiving. Wish I could go to wine country, too. That was our favorite part of California and I still need to share photos on the blog about our time there. I hope your guests enjoy this relish at Christmas. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family xx
I love that you are keeping your Dad’s traditional cranberry relish going and I bet it conjures memories of your Dad with everyone around the table. The recipe sounds delicious!