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The flavors of the Holiday Season come alive in this delightful Cranberry Pear Spiced Chutney, a perfect blend of tart cranberries, sweet pears, crimson raspberries, and warm spices.

This Cranberry Pear Spiced Chutney is more than a condiment—it’s absolute joy in a dish!

I’ve made a lot of cranberry sauces in my lifetime, but this delicious chutney is a celebration of the seasons’ bounty in every single bite! It is hands-down the BEST cranberry sauce I’ve ever had, or made!

A sweet follower reached out a week ago to share this cranberry chutney recipe with me. It was given to her by her uncle, who got it from a guy who brought it to a potluck over 20 years ago! (Whew…glad we aren’t playing the telephone game with all that! Lol) She gave me permission to use it.

As is always the case, before I share a recipe, I did a little research to try to pin down the origins of this particular side dish. What I found out, was that either “The Martha” stole his recipe, or he took hers! Lol

The original recipe states it is a “chutney” rather than a “relish” or “sauce”. Truth be told, I think it leans more towards “relish” since it does not contain any vinegar. Most chutney recipes contain some form of vinegar. However, I’m not going to argue with the Queen Bee of Bedford, Massachusetts over her chutney recipe, or my friend’s Uncle! (Nope! That wouldn’t be prudent!) I’m just thankful I got my hands on this amazing recipe that is going to be in our family food favorites forever!!

I’ve done some “tweaking” to make it my own, and if I may be so bold, I think it truly elevates this recipe to new heights!

Let’s get cooking friends!

Ingredient List

• 4 cups fresh, or frozen thawed, cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 3 pears peeled, cored, and diced small
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cup fresh, or frozen, raspberries
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
• Any additional spices you may prefer, like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamon.

How to Make Cranberry Chutney Sauce

In a large sauce pan, over medium-low heat, add 4 cups of cranberries, sugar, water, lemon zest, and orange zest.

Cook for approximately 20 minutes until the cranberries have popped. It will sound like kids shooting off old-fashioned caps! Don’t let it startle you…it’s the sound you want to hear!

Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally.

After the cranberries have popped, add in the diced pears, cinnamon, allspice, and any other additional spices you would like. I love adding a pinch or two of cardamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Regardless, it’s perfect as written, this is only a suggestion to adapt to your own personal taste.

TIP: Use caution when using cardamon as it can quickly overpower a dish! However, it does add a wonderful nutty, spicy flavor to seasonal dishes like this one.

Stir the ingredients occasionally during cooking, until the pears have softened, about 10–15 minutes. The pears create the “chutney” influence in this dish. They help to thicken the sauce and add a wonderful sweetness to the cranberry sauce.

Next, add in the raspberries, lemon juice, orange juice, and a pinch of salt.

TIP: You can use frozen raspberries. As a side note, be aware the frozen raspberries will add more liquid to this chutney and may thin it out slightly.

Cook an additional 5 minutes until the raspberries begin to break apart and blend into the cranberry and pear mixture. Be sure to stir continually during the baking, so the thicker chutney doesn’t burn to the bottom of the pan.

Finishing and Storing

Remove the sauce from the stove top and cool. Once cool, pour it into an airtight food storage container. Cover and store in your refrigerator for up to 10 days! You can also freeze it in your freezer for one month.

This is the perfect “make-ahead” condiment for your holiday meals. You can even spread it on your dinner rolls! (If you need me that’s where I’ll be…slathering this spectacular relish all over my fluffy Lion House Dinner Rolls!)

If you’re looking to elevate a cheese board, this Cranberry Pear Chutney would be an amazing addition! Try it as an appetizer with cream cheese. It also pairs beautifully, and adds a unique touch to your holiday turkey.

This chutney is a versatile condiment that brings seasonal comfort to any dish. It’s a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that makes it a must-have for festive gatherings. Just look at those beautiful rich colors!

My Favorite Thanksgiving Cranberry Recipes

• Grandma’s Cranberry Walnut Jell-O Salad Recipe
• Bakery Style Cranberry Orange Muffins
• Cranberry Apple Fluff Salad
• Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe
• Cranberry Upside Down Coffee Cake
• Cranberry Sauce Recipe from Allrecipes.com

This yummy cranberry sauce is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. It’s certain to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Serve it fresh or jar it as a thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones. No matter how you use it, this chutney promises to bring warmth and joy to your table.

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my Nest this holiday season! I hope you truly enjoy this recipe and that my step-by-step instructions and tips help you prepare this dish for those you love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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