Cranberry Port Conserve 4 cups fresh cranberries 2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cups of the finest port you can afford peel all of the zest from 1 orange then peel and finely chop the orange as well 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts Combine cranberries, sugar and port in a large stainless steel or enamel saucepan. Bring to a full boil and cook uncovered until berries pop. Add orange, zest and dried cranberries. Return to a boil then reduce heat and simmer gently until mixture thickens (about 15 minutes). Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in nuts. You can ladle into sterile jars and water bath for 10 minutes at this point. You can also freeze this in small plastic containers until needed. Back To Canning Recipes.