Vibrant Julia Child Cranberry Chutney Recipe

Tangy Julia Child Cranberry Chutney Recipe: Festive Family Joy

Cranberry chutney electrifies mundane meals with its zesty, vibrant essence that sparks culinary magic.

Bursting with luscious complexity, this condiment weaves sweet and tart notes into a symphonic flavor experience.

Seasonal ingredients waltz together, creating a rustic melody of taste and texture.

Warm spices whisper comfort while fruity undertones ignite your senses.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition and innovation, transforming ordinary plates into gourmet masterpieces.

Homemade chutney invites you to play, experiment, and savor unexpected culinary delights.

Let this tantalizing sauce be your passport to flavor adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients in Julia Child’s Cranberry Chutney

For Liquid Base:
  • Water: Choose filtered water for the cleanest flavor profile.
  • White Sugar: Select pure, fine-granulated sugar for smooth dissolution.
For Fruit Components:
  • Fresh Cranberries: Pick plump, firm berries with vibrant deep red color.
  • Diced Apples: Select crisp, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith for robust texture.
  • Raisins: Look for dark, glossy raisins without any signs of moisture or clumping.
For Spice Blend:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Allspice, Ground Cloves: Source fresh, aromatic spices from reputable brands for maximum flavor intensity and ensure they are within their expiration date for optimal taste and potency.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Cider Vinegar: Choose organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with visible sediment for deeper, more complex tangy notes.

Canning Tools and Sauce Pots Needed

  • Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking and boiling your chutney ingredients evenly.
  • Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel for cooling and storing your delicious chutney after cooking.
  • Measuring Cups: Essential for precise ingredient quantities and consistent flavor.
  • Wooden Spoon: Sturdy tool for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
  • Plastic Wrap: Helps protect chutney's surface while cooling and prevents unwanted skin formation.

How to Simmer Julia’s Cranberry Chutney

How to Simmer Julia’s Cranberry Chutney
  • Launch Your Culinary Adventure

Grab your favorite cooking tools: a medium saucepan, mixing bowl, and wooden spoon will be your trusty companions in creating this mouthwatering chutney.

  • Craft the Liquid Foundation

Fire up the stove and combine water with white sugar, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil that dances and bubbles with excitement.

  • Unleash Flavor Magic

Dive into a world of taste by tossing in a vibrant mix of cranberries, apples, raisins, and a symphony of warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Watch the ingredients meld and transform, creating a rich, aromatic blend that will make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.

  • Simmer and Surrender

Reduce the heat and let your chutney gently simmer, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop depth. Stir occasionally, ensuring nothing sticks or burns, and let the magic happen for about 10 minutes.

  • Cool and Conquer

Transfer your masterpiece to a mixing bowl, covering the surface with plastic wrap to lock in all those amazing flavors. Let the chutney cool completely, allowing the taste to settle and intensify, creating a condiment that will wow everyone who tries it.

Spice Ideas for Flavor Depth

  • Quick Ingredient Swap: Replace cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a unique flavor twist that adds personal flair to your chutney.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust ground spices according to your taste preference. Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase for a perfectly balanced heat profile.
  • Storage Smart Techniques: Transfer cooled chutney into sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerate for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
  • Serving Companion Magic: Pair this robust chutney with roasted meats, sharp cheeses, or spread on warm crusty bread for an incredible taste experience that elevates simple dishes to gourmet levels.

Serving Suggestions for Sweet-Tart Chutney

  • Spice Up Your Plate: Pair with tangy goat cheese or creamy brie to balance the chutney's bold flavors and create a delightful appetizer experience.
  • Elevate Meat Dishes: Drizzle over roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin to add a vibrant, fruity complexity that transforms ordinary proteins into gourmet meals.
  • Gourmet Sandwich Spread: Slather on artisan bread or use as a condiment in grilled sandwiches to introduce a zesty, sweet-and-spicy dimension that awakens taste buds.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Package in cute mason jars with ribbons for a homemade, heartwarming present that showcases your culinary creativity and personal touch.

How to Preserve Chutney for Later

  • Preserve Peak Flavor: Store chutney in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and taste retention.
  • Shelf Life Secrets: Homemade chutney stays delicious for up to 2 weeks when properly sealed and refrigerated, allowing you to enjoy your culinary creation over multiple meals.
  • Freezing Finesse: Transfer cooled chutney to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining robust flavors and texture.
  • Serving Smart: Let chutney reach room temperature before serving to experience its full depth of flavor. Pair with cheese plates, roasted meats, or as a vibrant condiment for sandwiches and appetizers.
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Vibrant Julia Child Cranberry Chutney Recipe

Vibrant Julia Child Cranberry Chutney Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Julia Child’s cranberry chutney blends sweet and tangy flavors from classic French and American culinary traditions. Guests will savor complex spices and bright fruit notes that elevate holiday meals with elegant simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pkg (12 oz/340 g) fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced peeled apples
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • ¾ cup (150 g) white sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (75 g) raisins
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and measure precisely to ensure a balanced and flavorful chutney.
  2. Sugar Syrup: Create a foundation by dissolving sugar in water over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Incorporate cranberries, diced apples, apple cider vinegar, raisins, and a aromatic spice medley of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves into the bubbling liquid.
  4. Simmering Stage: Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain an even texture for 10-12 minutes.
  5. Cooling and Preservation: Transfer the fragrant chutney to a clean container, cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss, and allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Precision Matters: Accurately measure ingredients using proper kitchen tools to ensure consistent flavor and texture.
  • Boil with Care: Watch the initial sugar-water mixture closely to achieve a perfect rolling boil before adding other ingredients.
  • Spice Balance: The aromatic spice blend creates depth, so use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Cooling Technique: Cover the chutney directly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain a smooth, glossy finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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