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My Dad’s Famous Cranberry Relish

Every Thanksgiving and every Christmas we enjoy my dad’s famous cranberry relish.

bowl of relish on a table with an orange and silver spoon. Ornamental dried grass on the side.

If you can’t wait for the recipe, skip to the bottom of this post.

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It 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.

Bowl of relish with stawberries and walnuts on the side

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.

Bowl of relish, silver spoon and ornamental grasses on the side. Text overlap reads: Dad's Delicious Cranberry Relish

My Dad’s Famous Cranberry Relish

Bowl of relish on wooden table with a napkin next to it

Ingredients

White bowl with strawberries, cans of crushed pineapple and whole cranberries, chopping board with walnuts

Method

Mix ingredients in a bowl and serve.  It makes 6 1/2 cups and tastes better chilled.

Bowl of crushed pineapple, strawberries whole cranberries and chopped walnuts

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.

Fresh walnuts on counter
Cranberry relish in a bowl on a wooden table with a tan tea towel, orange, silver spoon and dried grasses

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.

Bowl of relish on a wooden table

Cranberry Relish

Danielle Driscoll
A tart and delish pineapple and cranberry relish to go with Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people

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

Fabulous and easy relish – perfect to bring to a family gathering.
Lovely with turkey but would also work for a roast dinner with Christmas or other holiday meal. Delicious as a snack, too!
Keyword relish, cranberry, pineapple, Thaksgiving, Christmas,

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

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Judy Coggins
Judy Coggins
4 years ago

Happy Thanksgiving, Danielle. The recipe sounds delicious and I look forward to trying it. Enjoy the holiday.

Judy

Teddee Grace
Teddee Grace
4 years ago

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!

AJoy
AJoy
4 years ago

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

Caren
Caren
4 years ago

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. 😍

Marie
4 years ago

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!