National Eat a Cranberry Day!

November 23 is National Eat a Cranberry Day. Given that this year this day is also shared with Thanksgiving, many of us will be eating cranberries today. Two varieties of cranberries grow in Alaska, and although picking either of them is not possible at this time of year, if you have some in the freezer they can be used at any time.

Lingonberries (also known as lowbush cranberries) can be used in substitute of commercial cranberries in most recipes. If you have lingonberries in the freezer, considering making this lingonberry sauce to go along with your Thanksgiving meal.

Lingonberry Sauce

4 cups lingonberries
3 cups sugar
½ cup water

Combine ingredients in a saucepan. Mix well. Bring to a rolling boil and cook until mixture gels, approximately 20 minutes. Chill before serving. Store in the refrigerator for no more than one month. Yield: 5 cups

If you’re looking for other lingonberry recipes, be sure to take a look at our publication on them.

Highbush cranberries make a beautiful jelly and are popular in many products. The berries aren’t used in pies and other baked goods because of the large, flat seeds. However, they combine well with other fruits and when used with less plentiful berries like raspberries, currants and rose hips enhance their flavor. They also combine well with rhubarb, apples and lemons.

Spiced Highbush Cranberry Sauce or Ketchup

6 cups highbush cranberries
1½ teaspoons celery salt
1½ teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups sugar
1½ teaspoons allspice
½ cup water
1½ cups onions, chopped fine
1 cup cider vinegar
1½ teaspoons ground cloves

Prepare jar lids. Cook the cranberries in the water until soft, then put through a food mill or a sieve to remove seeds. Add the onions, vinegar, sugar and spices. Boil until the mixture thickens and reaches the proper consistency. Immediately pour ketchup into hot canning jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe jar rims and cover with prepared two-piece lids. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. Serve this cranberry sauce with poultry or meat or use in baked beans.

For more information on highbush cranberries and other recipes, take a look at our publication.