Give canned cranberry sauce a crunchy upgrade with this simple addition

Cranberry sauce may be as much a symbol of the holiday season as turkeys and trees, but a stroll down the canned produce aisle at your local grocery store will remind you that while the association is relevant , this product is actually available all year round. . Given how delicious it is, why relegate this sweet and tangy culinary delight to just a handful of meals a year?

The truth is that cranberry sauce pairs well with many preparations and can be used, processed, and doctored in ways to suit your diverse culinary needs. So if you’re planning to put cranberry sauce into regular rotation, you might want to consider a few simple additions to keep things interesting. And one way to up your sass — whether it’s a saucy version, a more jiggly iteration, or even a basic homemade cranberry sauce recipe — is to call on your favorite nuts. This crispy version is a major improvement in the flavor contrast and texture categories.

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Cranberry and Walnut Combos

Although cranberry sauce already brings so many delicious elements to any meal, one of the factors that can cause it to fail for some is the texture. And whether you use it for turkey or mashed potatoes, sandwich it with Brussels sprouts and goat cheese, or even bake it in banana bread, a little crisp contrast is more than welcome.

When choosing nuts, you can really go with whatever takes your fancy, but consider the qualities of the different nuts, how they will complement or contrast with the sweet and sour cranberry sauce, and what you’re making for your finished dish can help you choose. therefore. Almonds and hazelnuts are quite crunchy, while cashews and walnuts are a bit chewier, as are pecans. Some nuts, like walnuts, add a touch of bitterness, which can be a nice balance to the cranberry, while others, like pine nuts, are a little oily and add a creaminess to your composition, while still providing a counterpoint to the acidity of your fruity condiment. Toasting and salting your nuts will also add dimension to your cranberry sauce, as will opting for candied or spiced nuts which can add extra crunch and heat, respectively.

Cranberry sauce dishes that will be excellent with crunch

If you think beyond the holiday table, there are many creative ways to use crunchy cranberry sauce. As a crostini starter, add a dollop of cheese spread (ricotta, cream cheese, or mascarpone work well) on toast and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Roll-ups with brie-cranberry sauce call for a little crunch, and toasted pecans answer the call. Use your cranberry sauce for tacos; it’s perfect for smoked pulled pork or chicken – or even going vegetarian with roasted butternut squash – and garnishing with some pumpkin seeds for a touch of texture.

You can even reheat your cranberry sauce for a whole new world of flavors, then pour it over crunchy, nutty sweet potatoes. Or turn canned cranberry sauce into your new favorite cheesecake topping, which pairs perfectly with salted, toasted pecans.

If you’re concerned about nut allergies, there are other ways to add crunch. Try granola, puffed rice, or even crushed pretzels. Go ahead and spread cranberry sauce on your burger instead of ketchup and add that textural contrast with crispy fried onions. Ultimately, no matter what time of year you’re cooking with cranberry sauce, a crunch is always a welcome addition.

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.