On the 6th Day of Christmas, the Recipe Diva made for me...

Cranberry, Pear, and Ginger Chutney

If you aren't familiar with chutney, it's an accompaniment that is similar in consistency to a relish or jelly.  Almost always consistenting of fruit, sugar and vinegar, a chutney will fall into the category of sweet or hot... or both.  They work very well served with cheeses, meats such as ham and pork, and are very common in Indian cuisine. 

With all of the holiday parties this time of year, a jar of homemade chutney makes a perfect hostess gift.  In the spirit of the season, I chose to use cranberries and seasonal spices.  The combination of hot and sweet with the savory holiday spices worked perfectly. 

Ingredients

2 - 8 oz. bags of fresh cranberries
2 pears, peeled and cubed
1 large orange
1 onion, chopped
1 cup golden raisins
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
2 tbsp ginger, grated
1 cup water
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
   
Add all ingredients to large saucepan and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for about 30 minutes until cranberries have burst and chutney has thickened. 
 

The chutney will keep for 3 days, but to jar for gifts, pack the chutney into sterilized jars and process in hot-water bath for 10-15 minutes. If you are unfamiliar with the canning process, make sure to look up more detailed instructions. 

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to make these boring jars gift worthy?