Fall Harvest Cranberry Preserves

Ingredients

• 8 cups of peeled and diced apple (approximately 5-6 large apples)
• 4 cups of whole cranberries 
• 2 bags of Trader Joe's Fall Harvest Herbal Tea
• 6 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced

Instructions: Combine the apples, cranberries, sugar, two tea bags and water in a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, skimming off the foam that develops on the top of the fruit. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries pop and the apples soften. Remove the tea  bags and add the lemon zest and juice and simmer until the liquid in the pot begins to thicken. Because both apples and cranberries are naturally high in pectin, you will not need any additional pectin, as long as you cook it until thick and syrupy. Ladle into prepared jars, wipe rims, apply lids and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Apricot Cranberry Sauce

I make this 'every' year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's a simple version of Cranberry sauce that everyone in the family loves! I haven't even dared tried to Adapt it... It's just too perfect as it is...

1 12-oz. pkg. fresh cranberries, chopped ( I use a a food processor)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/3 cup water

Combine all of the ingredients in a medium-size saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, and simmer until the cranberries are tender and the sauce begins to thicken. It will continue to thicken as it cools. I have also used an immersion blender to make it a little less chunky for family members who like a smoother texture to their sauce. Makes 12 one ounce servings.