Last year I made my first turkey for Thanksgiving.
It was a PROUD MOMENT.
However, I did follow instructions to a T, to make sure from the thawing, cooking and cutting was done as recommended.
Fast-forward to this year – and once again, there’s so much happening that I don’t have time to go through Turkey Time once again. I mean, can’t I just pick up the turkey and throw it in the oven and a few hours later, it’s done?
Yep, I found out there’s such a thing from Jennie-O called the OVEN READY Turkey. And it’s as easy as that to make a turkey dinner that your grandma would be proud of without near the time that grandma used to make. (It’s so easy, it only takes a minute to show you how to make one of your own at home.) No thaw, no mess, in no time at all!
Now since I was taking almost no time working on the turkey, I had a little time to add my own personal twist to change it up a little. Call it what you will, but I like to add my own unique flavor especially when it comes to Thanksgiving (we are professional Friendsgiving people.) So this year I added a sweet and savory relish that combines the traditional flavor of cranberry and apple, but kicks it up a notch with some of my favorite Texas flavors – jalapeno and cilantro. I couldn’t come up with a snazzy name for it, so I called it Cranberry Apple Jalapeno Cilantro Relish.
In just two steps you’ll have a relish that you’ll want to put on everything from the turkey, your stuffing, your veggies, and perhaps the kitchen sink.
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 apple, chopped (I prefer gala)
- 2 cups fresh whole cranberries
- pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons jalapenos, chopped and seeded
- Orange zest (optional)
- Over medium heat, mix sugar, vinegar and salt until dissolved.
- Add apples, cranberries and increase to medium-high heat. Cook uncovered 5-7 minutes until fruit is tender, but not soft.
- Add ginger, cilantro, and jalapeno and allow to cook on simmer for 2-4 minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Serve with turkey, dressing and whatever for a southwest flair!
- This may be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to a week (Thanksgiving leftovers!) This recipe has been update (11/17.)
Other Thanksgiving ideas you might want to check out from MamaChallenge.com:
Your recipe for Cranberry Apple Jalapeno Cilantro Relish looks so tangy and delicious my mouth is watering just thinking about making it! I love the idea of oven ready turkey too. Sounds so fast and simple!
Well, that sound like a fun way to spice up Thanksgiving. A tasty twist on a classic. Great idea!
Just in time for Thanksgiving! This would be the perfect side dish to complement the turkey.
That whole meal looks so good, I can’t wait for Thanksgiving now. I’m a huge fan of cranberry and never thought to add jalepeno to it.
What a fun twist on a classic cranberry dish! I love the combo of cranberries with apples and the spice of Jalapeno! It sounds delicious.
What a great way to dress up the turkey on Thanksgiving day. I would have never thought of jalapeno, well I don’t like jalapeno but my middle child loves it!
Oh my goodness, this is just perfect. I was just looking on Pinterest for some cranberry ideas, so this is awesome. I just know my family will love it. Thanks for sharing.
This relish recipe looks so delicious. I will have to try it for the holidays. I am always looking for new recipes to try.
This all looks so delicious. I am excited for our turkey dinner. I will have to try this recipe for the relish. I am sure it will be a big hit.
This sounds like a delicious recipe to pair up with chicken. I love to try out new recipes, we have added some new family favorites over the years.
This seems like a great way to brighten up a chicken! Thanks for sharing!
That looks yummy! I am not a fan of cilantro, but this is worth giving a try.
This looks like a great compliment to the turkey! I love stuff with a little kick to it. I also like your ideas for leftover turkey – that turkey tortilla soup sounds delicious.
Yum! This sounds delicious. I would be so good on a leftover sandwich!
What an awesome combination. I’ve never thought to add jalaepeno to cranberry. Yum!
Cranberries & Cilantro – what an interesting combination of ingredients. That sounds really good and I think I’ve just found the cranberry sauce recipe I’m going to be making for Thanksgiving tomorrow.
Count me in for that cilantro! That sounds like a fun combo!
Oh wow! This looks amazingly delicious! I’m hungry now lol.
the directions say sugar but ingredients don’t have sugar listed…did I miss something?!
I actually just updated this recipe and have made some edits! I’ll be making it soon for Thanksgiving and sounds like you might too! 🙂