Cranberries are grown here on the Oregon coast and Cranberry Sweets is a popular local candy factory featuring several kinds of cranberry treats and other delightful confectionery creations.
I've exchanged candy recipes with family and friends for decades. This cranberry jelly walnut candy recipe is popular locally and very close to the one sold at the local candy factory. I acquired the recipe back in the early 1970s.
Variations can be made with other flavors of gelatin, such as raspberry or cherry, but I like the tart and sweet tastes of the citrus flavors.
These make a nice addition to gift baskets or bags for the holidays, or addition to a dessert tray or table.
Cranberry Jelly Walnut Candy
1, 14 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce
1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
2, 3 oz. package lemon gelatin
1, 3 oz. package orange gelatin
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts
2 tsps. of butter or oil for spraying foil
Optional: melted chocolate for dipping
Line an 8 to 9-inch square pan with foil and grease with butter or spray then set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, 1 cup sugar and lemon and orange gelatin.
Smash the jellied sauce with a potato masher, then stir all ingredients until combined. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for 4 or 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat; stir in walnuts. Pour into prepared pan.
Chill several hours until set. Lift the chilled mixture out of the pan, place on a cutting board and discard foil; cut into 1-in. squares or desired sizes (1/2-inch cubes or 1/2-inch by 1-inch minibars.)
Roll in remaining sugar and/or dip in melted chocolate. After cutting, pieces can be tossed and shaken in a bowl with 3/4 cup of sugar to coat.
Store at room temperature between layers of waxed paper or coffee filters in an airtight container. Yield: About 2 to 2 1/2 pounds.
Estimated cost: $5.50 or less.
