Cranberry Curd

Cranberry Curd: A Refreshing Touch to Your Dessert Table

Picture this: a velvety, tart filling that adds an exhilarating pop of flavor to your morning toast or a delightful finishing touch to your holiday dessert spread. Cranberry curd is that magical ingredient you’ve been searching for! With its vibrant color and tangy sweetness, this recipe transforms simple cranberries into a luscious curd that’s perfect for everything from seasonal gatherings to cozy brunches. I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a unique spread for my holiday party, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Allow me to guide you through the delightful world of cranberry curd!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Cranberry curd is not just a beautiful addition to your desserts; it’s a versatile treat that shines year-round. Here’s why you’ll love making it:

1. Quick and Easy: This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under an hour, making it a breeze for busy home cooks.
2. Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of ingredients, cranberry curd is an economical option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
3. Kid-Approved: The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries often resonates with kids and adults alike, making it a hit at family gatherings.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual Sunday brunch, this curd fits seamlessly into various meals.

“I served this cranberry curd at Thanksgiving, and it was the star of the table! Everyone kept asking for the recipe!” – A Satisfied Baker

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making cranberry curd is a simple yet rewarding process. Start by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water. Next, blend until smooth, and whisk in egg yolks before cooking it gently on the stove until thickened. Finally, stir in butter for a luxurious finish! With this overview, let’s dive into the specific ingredients you’ll need.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up this lovely cranberry curd, you’ll need the following:

• 12 oz of fresh (or frozen) cranberries: The star of the dish, providing tartness and color.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This balances the tangy cranberries.
• 3/4 cup water: Helps to cook down the cranberries.
• 3 large egg yolks: These thicken the curd and add richness.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: For a creamy, luxurious finish.

Feel free to substitute frozen cranberries when fresh ones aren’t in season—they work wonderfully and save you a trip to the market!

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these easy steps to create your cranberry curd:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, and sugar over medium-high heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and soften.
3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the mixture to a high-powered blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth. If you don’t have a blender, an immersion blender will also do the job. For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture through a sieve if necessary.
5. In a pot, combine the smooth cranberry mixture with the egg yolks and whisk until well blended.
6. Return the pot to medium heat, whisking continuously for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until melted.
8. Pour the curd into a sterile container and let it cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator.

Best Way to Serve

Cranberry curd is not just for spreading! Here are some creative serving ideas:

• On Toast: Spread it atop warm, buttered toast or bagels for breakfast.
• In Desserts: Use it as a filling for tarts, cakes, or pastries.
• With Cheese: Pair it with a cheese platter—its tartness complements creamy cheeses beautifully.
• In Yogurt: Swirl it into plain yogurt for a quick, flavorful snack.

Storage Tips

To keep your cranberry curd fresh, follow these guidelines:

• Refrigeration: Store the curd in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 1-2 weeks.
• Freezing: You can freeze cranberry curd for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
• Safe Handling: Always use clean utensils when scooping out the curd to prevent contamination.

Pro Chef Tips

To elevate your cranberry curd experience, consider the following expert advice:

• Control Sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference or the tartness of the cranberries.
• Quick Cooling: To speed up cooling, pour the curd into shallow containers, which allows it to cool faster.
• Infuse Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract while the curd thickens for an aromatic twist.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:

• Herbed Curd: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory twist.
• Citrus Blend: Mix in some orange or lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a touch of ground ginger or chili powder for some heat.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make cranberry curd?

Making cranberry curd typically takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish, including cooking and cooling time.

Can I make this curd ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cranberry curd can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe, so don’t hesitate to use them!

Is cranberry curd safe to eat after a week?

Yes, if stored properly in the fridge, cranberry curd is safe to consume for up to two weeks.

With its stunning color and tangy flavor, cranberry curd will bring joy to your table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up this delightful treat!

Cranberry Curd

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A velvety, tart cranberry filling that adds a refreshing touch to your dessert table, perfect for toasts and holiday desserts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, and sugar over medium-high heat.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst.
3. Remove from heat and cool for 5-10 minutes.
4. Transfer mixture to a blender and blend on high until smooth, optionally straining for ultra-smoothness.
5. In a pot, combine the smooth mixture with egg yolks and whisk until blended.
6. Return pot to medium heat, whisking continuously for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
7. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
8. Pour curd into a sterile container to cool completely before refrigerating.

Notes

Adapt sweetness based on taste; can store in fridge for 1-2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cranberry, curd, dessert, holiday, easy recipe, spread