Web Exclusive… Microwave Cranberry Orange Jam By Janice Agee, November 2003 An AARPmagazine.org reader-submitted recipe

(Makes about 3 cups)

This wonderful jam is easily made in the microwave, which eliminates problems like burning, sticking, or boiling over. This is great as a simple dessert "sauce," or try it on bagels with cream cheese. You can also add nuts and raisins to the completed jam.

• 12 ounces, fresh cranberries
• 2 oranges with their zest (see note)
• 1 1/2 cups, confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 cups, water

Wash and pick over the cranberries, discarding those that are bad. Cut the oranges into dice-size pieces. Cut the zest into small pieces, and set both aside.

Put the cranberries into a microwavable 2- to 3-quart container, add the sugar and water, and stir to blend. Microwave on "defrost" for 4 minutes, stir, and continue to microwave for 4 minutes more. Add the oranges and the zest to the mixture, stir, and microwave for another 8 minutes. The mixture should have a jam-like consistency; if it's too thin, continue to microwave.

Note: To zest an orange, use a swivel-blade peeler. Remove only the orange part in strips, leaving the white pith behind, then chop the zest.