Don't let this happen to your Thanksgiving! ...

What IS IT?!!!!!!!!!

This abomination is what many people call "Cranberry Sauce" - other names for it are cranberry jelly, cranberry relish, cranberry dressing, or known to some kids as just, "Yuck!" - My guess is, the kids that are "yuck"-ing about cranberry sauce, most likely have the gelatinous, jiggly, cylindrical mystery product on their table, as seen to the left...  Personally, the only awesome thing about this product is the "shhlooophh" sound this thing makes when being released out of the can. Why would anyone want to eat this, other than while on a dare from a cruel friend?  Well, you shouldn't, and don't have to. Making cranberry sauce is probably one of the easiest things out there.  While my recipe is more likely considered a "relish", it's definitely delicious, and totally easy to make!

Cranberry Relish:
Ingredients:

1  twelve oz. bag of fresh cranberries

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup orange juice

1 3/4 cups sugar

2 tablespoons orange zest

1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup raisins

3/4 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Cook the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water in a saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or, until the cranberries begin to pop. Add the zest, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and raisins, and cook 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.  Once cooled, add the pecans, chill, and serve.

This is a very simple recipe, and can be adjusted according to taste.  I prefer a tarter relish, so I don't go too heavy on the sugar - I know some who will use up to 2 cups.  I like the tart bit the cranberries have against the turkey and all the fixin's... But again, if you prefer it sweeter, you can always add as much as you want.  Other additives you can use are small diced granny smith apples, dried cranberries, currants, diced dates, figs, crystallized ginger, fresh ginger, lime zest...the possibilities are endless! Just have fun with your ingredients and use what you like! 

Now, doesn't THIS look better than that "thing" above?!