Why it works: Raisin and orange are a kitchen classic. They rank in the top 13% of all ingredient pairs, and cooks put them together in 1,684 recipes. Both carry beta-damascenone, which smells apple, rose. The science ↓
Cranberry Orange Relish I
Ingredients
Directions
Rinse cranberries in cold water and drain.
In a medium saucepan, bring cranberries and water to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and add raisins.
Allow to cool 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir in Estée fruit spread and, if desired, sweeten with Estée Swiss Sweet.
Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition, whole recipe (rough)
Counts 2 of 5 ingredients. The other 3 aren't in our nutrition table and add nothing above, so the real totals are higher.
What these numbers assume: 2 portions
| Ingredient | Portion assumed | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Grape | 1/2 cup (76g) | 62 |
| Orange | 1 medium (131g) | 62 |
| Water | not in our table | 0 |
| Fruit | not in our table | 0 |
| Spread | not in our table | 0 |
One typical portion per ingredient; the recipe's quantities are not counted. A rough guide only, not for medical or dietary planning.
Steps grouped into stages for easier reading; the method is the source's own.
Explore the science
The flavor team
The pairs that carry this dish. Each one is judged two ways: how much their aromas overlap, and how often cooks already put them together.
-
Raisin + orangetop 13% of all pairsSmell alikemoderateCooked together1,684 recipes
Shared aroma: beta-damascenone (apple, rose).
-
Raisin + spreadtop 26% of all pairsSmell alikemoderateCooked together10 recipes
Shared aroma: ethanol (alcoholic, ethereal).
-
Orange + spreadtop 28% of all pairsSmell alikelowCooked together32 recipes
Shared aroma: ethyl acetate (pineapple, fruity).
Ranks compare each pair with 20,000 random ingredient pairs on CompKitchen. How we score pairs
What each ingredient does
- Cranberries
- Provide the tart base and bulk that the relish is built around.
- Orange fruit spread
- Adds concentrated orange flavour and fruity body to the relish.
- Raisins
- Add chewy texture and natural sweetness that balances the cranberry tartness.
The step that matters
Simmer uncovered and stir occasionally. Cranberries release pectin and burst as they heat, thickening the relish. Simmering uncovered lets excess water evaporate, and stirring prevents scorching on the pan bottom.
Swap the orange
How well each one fits the dish's main ingredients (raisin, spread):
- Figfits better
- Vanillafits better
- Lemonfits better
- Orangethe original
Fit is the average pairing score against raisin, spread. Candidates are from the same food group and used in at least 100 recipes.
“What each ingredient does” and “The step that matters” were written by Claude from this recipe’s own method and reviewed in samples by CompKitchen.
You might also like
Orange Bundt Cake349 recipes
Orange Cream Rice Pudding121 recipes
Orange Gelatin100 recipes
Orange Sherbet73 recipesThe free Flavor Lab newsletter: one surprising pairing a week and the molecular reason it works, in 60 seconds. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Prefer an account? Create a free account to save pairings and unlock the full chemistry.