Cranberry Orange Holiday Marinade

FOR TRADITIONAL BARBECUE & CONTEMPORARY SMOKED FOOD

A fruity soak for a turkey or a pair of pheasants, this may elevate the joy of a holiday meal.

The Cranberry Orange Holiday Marinade is a delightful concoction that perfectly captures the essence of holiday flavors. Combining the sweetness of cranberry with the vibrant zest of orange, this marinade creates a symphony of tastes that adds a festive touch to your poultry dishes. The blend of ingredients not only imparts a rich and tangy profile to the meat but also carries a touch of warmth and comfort that’s synonymous with holiday gatherings.

The base of the marinade is formed by a gallon of sweetened cranberry or cran-apple juice, which provides a luscious foundation. The addition of thawed frozen orange juice concentrate contributes a concentrated burst of citrusy goodness, enhancing the marinade’s overall vibrancy. Chopped onions and crumbled dried sage lend their earthy and aromatic notes, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the fruit juices.

Kosher salt or coarse sea salt is added to season the marinade, drawing out the natural flavors of the poultry and enhancing the overall taste experience. Once mixed together, this marinade embodies the essence of a festive occasion, making it an excellent choice for holiday meals, gatherings, and special occasions.

Marinating the poultry in this Cranberry Orange Holiday Marinade for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and infuse the meat with its characteristic taste. This marinade offers a simple yet effective way to elevate the flavor of your poultry dishes, turning them into something truly special. Whether you’re roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving or preparing a chicken dish for a festive dinner, this marinade brings a touch of holiday cheer to the table, making every bite a memorable one.

MAKES: ABOUT 1 GALLON

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 gallon sweetened cranberry or cran-apple juice
• 3-ounce can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons crumbled dried sage
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt or coarse sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients – sweetened cranberry or cran-apple juice, thawed frozen orange juice concentrate, chopped onion, crumbled dried sage, and kosher salt or coarse sea salt.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. The combination of cranberry juice, orange juice concentrate, onion, sage, and salt will create a flavorful marinade.
3. For optimal flavor infusion, it’s recommended to use the marinade within a few hours of preparation. This ensures that the flavors meld together effectively.
4. When you’re ready to marinate your poultry, place it in a container or a resealable plastic bag large enough to hold the poultry and the marinade.
5. Pour the prepared marinade over the poultry, making sure it’s evenly coated. You can use this marinade for various types of poultry, such as chicken or turkey.
6. Allow the poultry to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. You can let it sit at room temperature during this time. For a more intense flavor infusion, marinate the poultry for a few hours, either wrapped or covered, in the refrigerator.
7. After marinating, the poultry is ready to be cooked according to your preferred method – grilling, roasting, or any other preferred cooking technique.

SPICING TIP:

• For a quick and simple alternative marinade for chicken, you can use a salty Asian fish sauce, applying it generously over and under the skin. Brands like Red Boat are recommended for their quality. For an added kick, consider sprinkling a bit of ground black pepper for extra flavor.