Homemade Cranberry Butter

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Charleston and I could not be more excited! It's no secret that this is a magical time of the year from the glittering lights on King street, to family reunions, to strangers helping strangers in the most selfless ways.

This time of year brings about fond nostalgia associated with different places I've recently called home. Living in New York City, I relished ice skating beneath the 85-foot Rockefeller Center Christmas tree despite having to wear five layers of clothing to bear the cold temps. My California Christmas was spent driving to the northern California mountains to cut down our 15-foot tree at a tree farm, assembling luminaries to line the streets on Christmas Eve, caroling with neighbors, and seeing the city of San Francisco dressed in holiday cheer.

I may have forgone my parka this season in lieu of sundresses, but that doesn't make this time of year any less magical. Charleston certainly makes it easy to fall in love with the season from the Holiday Festival of Lights to King Street adorned in holiday decor. I’m looking forward to a very Charleston Christmas complete with new fond memories, surrounded by new friends in this enchanting southern city on the coast.  

This time of year is truly about giving. There is no better way to show someone how much you care than a sweet and simple handmade gift or card . This season, I was inspired by cranberries. Like most berries, they are rich in antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Cranberry butter with a touch a ginger and orange zest was what this holiday season was calling for. This would make a great hostess gift or gift for friends, made with simple ingredients you have on hand-  with some added festive flair, of course.

Homemade Cranberry Butter

Ingredients/Supplies:
2 quarter pint jars
festive ribbon (I use gold)
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1 tbsp honey
Zest of one orange
Thumbnail of fresh ginger
1/4 tsp salt

Directions: 
1. Use a food processor to combine your cranberries, ginger and orange to create a uniform mixture. Set aside.
2. Next, blend together your butter and olive oil to a creamy consistency. Add your cranberries mixture and blend together until smooth.
3. Scoop your mixture evenly into your quarter pint jars. Yields two jars of cranberry butter.
4. Seal and store in the fridge until your next holiday gathering.