The Unexpected Cranberry Dish

I have to preface this recipe by saying it is not my creation. I wish it was. It is the creation of a friend of the family named Joan Marsh back in my home state of Missouri. I had it scribbled down in a notebook so I’m not sure how accurate this is as it was relayed to me via conversation. But, when I make it there is always someone who says, by the way, what was in that cranberry dish…..I’ve never tasted anything quite like it. The flavor is truly unexpected. And, for my gf friends, it’s naturally gluten free. Thank you Joan!

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup sliced pears (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup English walnuts or pecans (chopped)

Directions

Chop celery and boil until soft and drain water. Set aside. Next, cook cranberries in 1 cup water until they pop. Once they have popped, add all dry ingredients (cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, sugar). Stir. Next, add celery, raisins, pears, dates, and pecans or walnuts. Let the mixture simmer until raisins are plump. Done!!! Serve or refrigerate until you are ready to eat. Serves around 8 people. By the way, it pairs very nicely with my Stuffing/Dressing recipe!!