Christmas Relish Food

CHRISTMAS RELISH

Steps:

• In a large kettle, combine chopped onions and peppers, add 4 cups boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes, stirring once.
• Drain the vegetables and return to the kettle with 2 cups vinegar and 2 cups water.
• Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
• Drain again and return vegetables to the kettle.
• In a saucepan, combine 3 cups vinegar with 4 1/2 cups sugar and the salt.
• Heat gently, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
• Pour this over the vegetables.
• Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the syrup is slightly thickened and the vegetables are tender but have not lost their crispness.
• Pour into sterilized canning jars, filling to within 1/4-inch of the tops.
• Wipe rims with a dampened towel and seal the jars.
• Process in a boiling-water bath (water 2 inches above the jar tops) for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars to cool and store in a cool dry place.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY CRANBERRY RELISH

Steps:

• Stir cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, lime juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and lime zest together in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook at a simmer until cranberries pop, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer cooled sauce to serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Garnish with a pinch of orange zest to serve.