Joy in Every Season

In past years, during my mother-in-training phase, I had the happy privilege of having a mom who appreciated the signs of the season. She grew up in a time and place where here family helped to gather and distribute fruit for farmers in her home town. Her education in the glories of the field resulted in her keen sense for ripe, succulent pieces of heaven in each season. I have never known a woman who would make friends with every grocery produce manager within a 2 mile radius of her home, so she could ask for cases of the best fruit available. In turn, I have learned to appreciate the feel, smell, texture, and taste of nature's decadence on many occasions. There is nothing ordinary in a day when you have had juice dripping down your chin, from eating the glories of the harvest.
I go into this because I have loved apple season this year, and am anxious for the cranberries to finally signal that fall hit in full force. This morning I had the happy time to simmer the last bag of frozen cranberries into a version of Cranberry Chutney. As the summer has passed, other types of berries no longer compliment these tart delights; but the sweet candy goodness of pears seemed to fit the bill just right for this morning's adventure.
Cranberry Chutney.
Beware when served to company with sandwiches or poultry YOU WILL RUN OUT
1 bag 12oz Cranberries fresh or frozen
1-2 cups cored chopped fruit ( leave berries whole but well washed)
1/3 cup orange or apple juice which every will compliment your other fruit selection better
1/4 up to 2/3 c sugar or splenda
1/2 t total cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg or allspice, just for a little fun
Place all ingredients in medium sauce pan and cook over medium heat until cranberries have popped, sugar is dissolved, and the other fruit has reached its desired texture, ie. if you don't want it mushy then take it off the heat. Let cool, place in air tight container and enjoy on toast, sandwiched meat. or in place of applesauce for a fabulous afternoon snack.
It may be difficult but attempt to share this with others, even many who don't like cranberries love this fresh version.
Keep Smiling
Ms. Brownie