condiments, dips, and sauces

Dad’s Holiday Cranberry Relish

My first cook book was a classic, The New York Times Cook Book by Craig Claiborne (Harper & Row, 1961). My ancient, rusty paperclip bookmarks tell the story of why I have kept it all these years. I use the book only a couple of times a year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Clipped are Turkey, Stuffings, Mashed Potatoes with Variations, and Cooked Cranberry or Orange Relish.

We love it on the dinner table, but it’s even better as a condiment for turkey sandwiches. Lots more flavor than out-of-a-can.

Now a family must-have, Cranberry Relish uses cooked berries, not raw, and lots of sugar. Get over it. My family won’t let me play with this recipe. Having said that, I am going to be trying Keto-friendly versions to see if any sugar-substitutes have conquered the cool aftertaste issue. Suggestions?

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Attack of the Killer Tomatoes*

Attack, as in flavor attack! I still get excited when I try something new that should have known about or figured out all along. Case in point: tomato sauce comes in a jar or can, right? Guess again, Dad. It’s so easy and fast to make tomato sauce that is better than any canned sauce. I kicked myself all the way back to the farmers market for more tomatoes. Or, you can get them from a friend who’s been overwhelmed by their homegrown tomatoes—again—even thought this happens every year!

Picked up several pounds of homegrown Romas from a friend at work yesterday and made our own fresh tomato sauce and salsa (ole!). I’m warning you…you ‘ll never go back to the bottle after enjoying the killer flavor of fresh tomato sauce.

* Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (movie, 1978)

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