Homemade Cranberry Mandarin Christmas Preserves: The Ultimate Holiday Gift & Treat

There’s something uniquely magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? It’s a time when the usual rules of dining seem to bend, if not break entirely. We embrace the delicious chaos of chocolates, an endless parade of cookies, and the delightful remnants of party platters that somehow become legitimate meals. And perhaps, above all, the indulgent joy of baked brie. This delectable creation, crowned with a spoonful of homemade Cranberry Mandarin Christmas Preserves, often transcends its appetizer status to become a main event – for dinner, and quite possibly, for breakfast the next day!

I confess, in recent weeks, my consumption of baked brie has likely surpassed my intake for the entire year, and I’m eagerly anticipating more tonight. It’s a simple pleasure, yet profoundly satisfying, especially when paired with a vibrant, flavorful preserve that truly captures the essence of the holidays.

A Nostalgic Recipe Reimagined: The Story Behind the Preserves

My journey with this particular preserve began almost two decades ago, during a visit with a dear friend in Saskatoon. I was in my early twenties, and everything about her life – the corner bungalow (which, back then, cost so little it seems unbelievable now), her two young children, her work-life balance, and the relentless soccer schedule – felt incredibly grown-up. Amidst this whirlwind of adulting, we decided to embark on a quintessential holiday project: making a large batch of preserves to bottle into jars and give as heartfelt Christmas gifts.

We playfully experimented, combining a “mishmash” of classic holiday flavors: bright citrus, tart cranberries, warming spices, and a hint of nuts. Our culinary adventure even included a special trip to the store for liquid pectin, which, as it turned out, wasn’t truly necessary for this particular blend. The aroma that filled her kitchen was pure Christmas – a heady mix of sweet and spice that promised festive delights. We sat on stools, sampling spoonful after spoonful spread on crackers, until we were delightfully full and had to retreat to the couch. (A memory that might also include a touch of Bailey’s for extra warmth!) That day, we discovered a taste that truly embodied the spirit of the season.

Simplifying the Process: The Perfect Holiday Cure-All

For years, I’d thought about recreating that magical preserve, and recently, I stumbled upon the original recipe, scribbled on a piece of foolscap. With a bit more culinary wisdom, I realized it needed some tweaking to truly shine. What emerged was arguably one of the simplest and most delightful preserves you could ever make. The secret lies in the humble cranberry, a natural pectin powerhouse that effortlessly handles all the gelling, eliminating the need for any added liquid pectin. This not only simplifies the process but also makes it an ideal project for even novice preservers.

Beyond its simplicity, this recipe offers a wonderful solution for those abundant, slightly “smooshy” Mandarin oranges that seem to overflow every grocery store box during the holidays. It transforms these vibrant fruits, often overlooked for their perfectly round counterparts, into a star ingredient. This Cranberry Mandarin Christmas Preserve isn’t quite a jam in the traditional sense, but rather a versatile “holiday cure-all” that brings festive cheer to countless dishes.

Beyond Baked Brie: Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Preserves

While undoubtedly a showstopper atop a wheel of creamy brie, these Cranberry Mandarin Christmas Preserves offer a spectrum of culinary possibilities. Let’s explore some delicious ways to incorporate this festive treat into your holiday season and beyond:

The Ultimate Baked Brie Topping: To create an unforgettable appetizer, simply slice off the top rind of a wheel of brie. Place the brie in a small baking dish, generously spoon over a large dollop of your homemade preserves, and bake at around 350°F (175°C) until the cheese becomes gloriously melty and bubbling. Serve with crackers, crusty bread, or apple slices for a truly indulgent experience.
Elevated Breakfasts: Spread it generously on warm toast, fluffy pancakes, or crispy waffles for a breakfast that feels extra special. Its bright, tangy notes are a refreshing change from traditional jams.
Dessert Delight: Warm the preserves gently and pour them over vanilla ice cream, plain cheesecake, or even a slice of pound cake. The warm, fruity sauce creates a delightful contrast with the cool dessert.
Festive Baking: These preserves are perfect as a filling for classic shortbread thumbprint cookies. The vibrant color and festive flavor will make your holiday cookie platter truly stand out. You can also swirl it into muffin batter or use it as a filling for tarts.
Savory Pairings: Don’t limit yourself to sweet applications! The sweet-tart profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to roasted turkey, ham, or even a holiday pork loin. Consider using it as a glaze for a beautiful, flavorful crust.
Yogurt and Oatmeal Booster: Stir a spoonful into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of holiday flavor and a delightful texture.

Once made, these preserves keep beautifully for ages in jars in the fridge or freezer. If you’re keen on longer shelf storage, you could certainly process them using traditional canning methods. I opted to pack mine into elegant Weck jars, making them perfect for gifting or bringing along to festive Christmas parties throughout the season.

Modern Kitchens, Effortless Creation: The Power of Appliances

Making these preserves is incredibly straightforward, especially with the help of modern kitchen appliances. I accelerated the preparation by using a food processor to pulse the oranges and lemons into a chunky mash. This not only saves time but also ensures a consistent texture, making the whole process enjoyable and mess-free. This efficient approach was part of a larger quest to develop holiday recipes that leverage the convenience and capabilities of fun kitchen appliances, in collaboration with London Drugs.

Speaking of London Drugs, they’re generously offering a $100 gift card to one lucky reader for your holiday shopping pleasure! (And let’s be honest, it doesn’t have to be for anyone else – treating yourself is perfectly acceptable!) This leads me to a strong belief I hold: kitchen appliances make absolutely fantastic gifts. I know there’s often an outdated notion that men should buy jewelry or other “romantic” items, and that home appliances come with negative domestic implications. But I, for one, would happily choose a state-of-the-art waffle iron or a high-quality coffee machine over diamonds any day. Practical, useful, and capable of bringing joy through delicious meals and treats – what’s not to love? Kitchen gadgets aren’t just tools; they’re invitations to explore culinary creativity, simplify daily tasks, and create memorable experiences right at home.

To enter the contest for the $100 London Drugs gift card, simply leave a comment below! Tell us: If you’re heading to a Christmas party (or hosting one) this weekend, what’s your absolute favorite thing to eat? And if you’re hunkering down at home, avoiding those chilly, sub-zero temperatures, what delicious comfort food have you been enjoying curled up on the couch?

* This post was generously sponsored by London Drugs as part of their #LDHoliday campaign, but the words and thoughts are entirely my own. A heartfelt thank you to London Drugs for supporting delicious holiday inspiration!