Cranberry Fruit Conserve - cooking recipe

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 apple, peeled and finely chopped Granny Smith (add a bit more if you like)
1 orange, zest and juiced
1 lemon, zest and juiced
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup walnuts or 3/4 cup pecans, chopped

Preparation

Cook cranberries, sugar and 1 cup water in saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes until the skins pop and the berries are all open and mixture comes to a slow boil. Stir to quicken the process. Add the remaining ingredients except raisins and nuts and cook 15-20 minuets stirring constantly to prevent any burning. Apple pieces should become incorporated into the mixture and become barely visible. Remove from heat and mix in nuts and raisins. Place mixture when cool in serving container and chill. Nuts and raisins can be omitted if desired for a more traditional cranberry blend. For a thicker, jellied consistency cook the mixture longer over low heat to reduce liquid approximately 30-45 minutes - stirring to avoid burning, omit the raisins and nuts for a traditional jelly. Makes approximately 4 cups.