1-First Step: Prepare the Orange Start by washing the orange thoroughly under running water. Since you’ll be using the entire orange, including the peel, you want to remove any wax coating or residue. Pat it dry with a clean towel. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, slice the unpeeled orange into eighths. Remove both ends of the orange first these can be bitter and don’t process well. Carefully check each wedge and remove any seeds you find. Orange seeds can add an unpleasant bitterness to your finished relish, so take your time with this step.

2-Second Step: First Batch Processing Place half of your cranberries (1 cup) and half of your prepared orange wedges into your food processor. Don’t overload the processor working in batches ensures even chopping and prevents the motor from straining. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are evenly chopped. You’re looking for a texture similar to a coarse relish, not a smooth puree. Stop and scrape down the sides of the processor bowl once or twice during pulsing to ensure everything processes evenly. This usually takes 8-10 quick pulses.

3-Third Step: Second Batch Processing Transfer the first batch to a large mixing bowl. Return to your food processor and add the remaining 1 cup of cranberries and the rest of the orange wedges. Pulse again until evenly chopped, matching the consistency of your first batch. Add this second batch to the bowl with the first. The two-batch method might seem like extra work, but it guarantees consistent texture throughout your relish. If you have a large food processor (12 cups or more), you might be able to process everything at once, but smaller processors definitely need the split approach.

4-Fourth Step: Sweeten to Taste Now it’s time to add sweetness. Start with 3/4 cup of sugar and stir it into your cranberry-orange mixture. The sugar might seem like a lot, but remember that cranberries are naturally very tart. Taste your relish before adding more sugar. The sweetness level depends on your personal preference and how sweet your particular orange is. Some oranges are more tart, while others are quite sweet. If you feel it needs more sweetness, add sugar in small increments (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired balance. For those using artificial sweeteners, follow package directions for the equivalent sweetness of 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar. Liquid sweeteners like agave or honey work too start with 1/2 cup and adjust as needed.

5-Final Step: Rest and Serve Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the relish to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least a few hours before serving overnight is even better. This resting period allows the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to meld together beautifully. The relish will keep its fresh flavor and bright color for weeks when properly stored. Serve it chilled alongside your favorite holiday dishes, or pair it with weeknight meals for a bright burst of flavor.