What if I don't press out the cranberries for the cranberry gelee?

This red wine, sugar, juniper berries recipe looks delicious, but now I wonder if I want to keep the burst cranberries. Would that produce a more traditional result, or just a mess?

svz
  • Posted by: svz
  • November 18, 2012
  • 3781 views
  • 5 Comments

5 Comments

cookbookchick November 19, 2012
If you haven't made it yet, put the juniper berries and peppercorns in a sachet (cheesecloth tied into a small bundle will do) and remove it after cooking or even just before serving for maximum flavor.
 
joshapiro November 18, 2012
If you already cooked the cranberries with the whole peppercorns and juniper berries, I'd really suggest pressing and straining the mixture. The peppercorns and juniper were meant for flavor and won't be pleasant to eat. I have serious doubts that blending would improve the situation. You can add cooked, crushed cranberries to the strained mixture if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
 
svz November 18, 2012
Well, I added everything before asking, so should I put it all through a Cuisinart to crush the juniper berries and peppercorns? Or is there a better way?
 

Voted the Best Reply!

cratecooking November 18, 2012
If you don't strain the cranberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve you will end up with a more traditional-style cranberry sauce. I wouldn't expect it to taste any different, and personally would prefer that style of cranberry sauce!
 
mrslarkin November 18, 2012
It will be just as delicious, only chunky, not a smooth jelly-style. I would crush the juniper berries before adding them to the cranberries.
 
Recommended by Food52