Active Time

　　30 min

　　Total Time

　　12 3/4 hr (includes chilling)

　　This meltingly tender jelly is to that stuff in the can what a fine Barolo is to supermarket cooking wine.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

　　4 (12-ounce) bags fresh or frozen cranberries (14 cups; do not thaw)

　　3 cups sugar

　　2 cups dry white wine

　　2 (5-inch) fresh rosemary sprigs

　　3 2/3 cups cold water

　　1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (from three 1/4-ounce envelopes)

　　

Special Equipment

a 6-cup nonreactive mold (see cooks' note, below) or glass loaf pan

　　

Step 1

Bring cranberries, sugar, wine, rosemary, and 2 2/3 cups water to a boil in a 6- to 8-quart pot, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until all berries have burst, 8 to 10 minutes. Pour into a large colander lined with dampened paper towels and set in a deep bowl, then let stand until all juices have drained through, 10 to 15 minutes, and discard solids. If you have more than 4 cups cranberry liquid, boil in a small saucepan until reduced; if less, add water to bring total to 4 cups.

　　

Step 2

Stir together gelatin and remaining cup water in a clean small saucepan and let stand 1 minute to soften. Heat over moderate heat, stirring, until gelatin is dissolved. Stir gelatin mixture into cranberry liquid until combined. Pour cranberry mixture into lightly oiled mold (see cooks' note, below), skimming off any foam. Cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and chill until firmly set, at least 12 hours.

　　

Step 3

To unmold, run tip of a thin knife between edge of mold and jelly. Tilt mold sideways and tap side of mold against a work surface, turning it, to evenly break seal and loosen cranberry jelly. Keeping mold tilted, invert a plate over mold, then invert cranberry sauce onto plate.

　　Cooks' notes:

　　• Stainless steel, glass, and enameled cast iron are nonreactive, but avoid pure aluminum and uncoated iron, which can impart an unpleasant taste and color to recipes with acidic ingredients in them.

　　• Unmold the jelly onto a serving plate 2 to 3 inches wider than the mold to allow for spreading. Use a flavorless vegetable oil to brush the mold before filling.

　　• Cranberry jelly can be chilled in mold up to 2 days.