A Festive and Fruity Centerpiece: Sparkling Cranberry & Orange Christmas Mold!

 

 The holidays are a time for joy, family, and of course, delicious food! While roasted turkeys and decadent desserts often steal the show, sometimes it's nice to have a lighter, brighter, and absolutely beautiful dish to grace your Christmas table. Enter the Sparkling Cranberry & Orange Christmas Mold!

This vibrant, shimmering fruit mold is not only a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing palate cleanser amidst heavier holiday fare. It's surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the festive hustle and bustle. The beautiful ruby red color from the cranberries, combined with the zesty orange, truly captures the spirit of the season. Plus, it's a fantastic way to get some fruit onto the holiday menu!

Imagine this glistening mold catching the light on your dining table – it's sure to be a conversation starter and a welcome burst of freshness.

Here’s how you can create this show-stopping Christmas mold:

Yields: 8-10 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce) packages cranberry-flavored gelatin (like Jell-O)
• 4 cups boiling water, divided
• 2 cups cold water
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole cranberry sauce, jellied or whole berry
• 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup chopped celery (optional, for crunch)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for texture)
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
• Orange zest, for garnish

Equipment:

• A 6-cup decorative mold (bundt pan, jello mold, or even a glass bowl will work!)

Instructions:

1.    Dissolve Gelatin: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the two packages of cranberry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water. Whisk continuously for at least 2 minutes, or until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

2.   Add Cold Water & Cranberry Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 cups of cold water. Then, gently fold in the whole cranberry sauce until well combined. The mixture might look a little lumpy if you're using whole berry sauce, which is perfectly fine!

3.   Incorporate Fruit & Optional Add-ins: Add the drained mandarin oranges to the gelatin mixture. If you're including them, stir in the chopped celery and walnuts/pecans now.

4.   Pour into Mold: Lightly spray your decorative mold with cooking spray or lightly grease it with a neutral oil. This will help with easy release later. Carefully pour the gelatin mixture into the prepared mold.

5.   Chill: Place the mold in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the gelatin is completely set and firm.

6.   Unmold & Garnish: To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of the mold into a pan of warm water (don't let water get into the mold!) for about 10-15 seconds. This helps release the edges. Place a serving plate on top of the mold and, holding them together firmly, invert them. The mold should slide out easily. If not, dip in warm water again for a few more seconds.

7.   Serve: Garnish your beautiful Christmas mold with fresh mint sprigs and a sprinkle of orange zest before serving.

Tips for Success:

• For a clearer mold: If you prefer a completely clear mold, you can use clear cranberry juice and unflavored gelatin instead of flavored cranberry gelatin, adding sugar to taste.
• Other fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like chopped apples, grapes, or even pomegranate seeds for an extra festive touch. Just make sure they're not fresh pineapple or kiwi, as their enzymes prevent gelatin from setting!
• Presentation is key: The decorative mold truly makes this dish special. Choose one that complements your holiday decor.

This Sparkling Cranberry & Orange Christmas Mold is a delightful way to add a touch of elegance and a burst of fresh flavor to your holiday table. It's simple, stunning, and utterly delicious. Give it a try this Christmas – you won't regret it!

Happy Holidays and happy cooking!