Food Gifts: What goes around comes around

For me it started with my cranberry sauce. When I first made it I gave it to family and a circle of close friends. Several people sang its praises, so I gave it to them the following year, and the next, and the next...and for some it became a part of their holiday tradition. The bonus for me is that it keeps me connected, in a very special way, with some very nice people. Good food tends to do that. I can't think of a better way to bring people together than over a great meal, so when you can't be with someone special why not send them something they will enjoy, something that brings you a little bit closer in spirit.

Every Thanksgiving I send, or hand deliver, a jar of cranberry sauce to my hairdresser in New York City. I met her about 20 years ago and stop in for a cut from time to time. About 10 years ago I brought her a jar and she just loved it, so if I'm in NY for Thanksgiving I bring her some, if not, I pop it in the mail. Marie is originally from Haiti and has really embraced the Thanksgiving holiday. Every year I receive a lovely note telling me how much she appreciates it, and how it's become such a special part of her family celebration. She often sends me lovely hair care products in return, too, so this is where the 'what goes around comes around' bit comes into play. I also think she gives me an extra special hair cut once I am fortunate enough to sit in her chair again, but more importantly we have become friends, and that's what I cherish most.

I have two local friends (fellow foodies) who are on the list. I usually leave their jars on my front porch as we're all busy running around at the last minute. This year I came home to  find this wonderful loaf of sunflower bread from one:

And this exquisite chocolate log was delivered on Christmas Eve from the other:

Another friend in Connecticut sends her delicious homemade pumpkin bread. So as I am savoring these delicious treats, I am also feeling a very special connection to these people who've touched my life. Knowing that someone has taken the time to make something by hand has a way of doing that. Now that I think of it, many of my closest friends have come to me through our shared love of good food, so what a perfect way to honor that gift of friendship.

Cape Cod Cranberry Sauce

I started this tradition several years ago with my family and a few close friends. Every Thanksgiving I make the sauce and distribute it to a few adoring fans. One friend carried it with her on a trip to Paris for the Thanksgiving dinner she prepared while on vacation. A dear friend in Connecticut tells me that it's just not Thanksgiving without the sauce. My hairdresser in NYC has made it a special part of her holiday meal. I love doing it because it brings me a little bit closer to people that I don't see nearly as often as I would like to.

While you can make just enough for the holiday by cutting the recipe in half, I like to make a larger batch and process it in Mason jars so we can enjoy it throughout the winter. It's a great accompaniment to chicken and pork. Recently, I tried it on a piece of toast with peanut butter and it was pretty good, so I'm sure not a drop will go to waste. 

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

48oz cranberries (4 - 12oz bags)

2 cups sugar (use 1 cup if you like a more tart sauce)

3 cups orange juice

3 oranges peeled and cut into small pieces

Rind of one orange (diced)

3 - 1 Qt ball jars or 6 pint jars with lids and bands

Wash the cranberries and remove any stems or small leaves.

Place in a heavy stockpot.  Add sugar, orange juice, oranges and chopped orange rind.

Bring to a boil and let simmer at a slow boil until the cranberries are very soft.  Some will pop.

Pour into prepared ball jars following directions included with the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top of the jar. (Photo below was taken by Ally Iseman)

Place prepared jars into the water bath and fill until the jar lids are covered with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove and allow to cool.  Tighten the bands on the jars.  Cranberry sauce may be stored in a cool place for 10-12 months.  They make a wonderful gift.  Just wrap them in cello and tie with a ribbon.

Waiting for pick-up.