Fruit and Whiskey Cranberry Relish

http://www.girlichef.com/2012/11/FruitWhiskeyCranberryRelish.html

Ingredients (~2 cups)
½ c. whiskey

¾ c. water

¾ c. brown sugar

1 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

pinch ground cloves

pinch allspice

12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries

1 apple, peeled & diced small

1 orange - juice and finely grated zest

pinch sea salt

¼ tsp. vanilla bean paste

Place whiskey, water, brown sugar and all of the spices in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Let boil for 1-2 minutes to allow sugar to dissolve. Stir in the cranberries and turn the heat down so that the liquid is simmering slowly. Let simmer until the cranberries start to pop and thicken, 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in both the juice and the zest of the orange, salt, and vanilla bean paste.

Fish out the whole star anise and cinnamon stick before serving. I like this warm, at room temp., or cold.
 

 

To me, the smell of this simmering on the stove instantly makes me think "Irish Christmas". It's a beautiful thing. I used Tyrconnell whiskey in this batch, but feel free to use any type you wish.

This is a thick, almost jam-like relish that is the perfect addition to any holiday meal, or serve it spread on a ham or turkey sandwich.