Description
Homemade cranberry sauce elevates holiday meals with its perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Rich crimson color and fresh cranberry essence make this simple recipe a memorable side dish for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruity Ingredient:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries
Sweetening Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Liquid and Spice Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Gather fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Heat the mixture over medium temperature, allowing the contents to transition from a gentle simmer to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat and maintain a steady simmer, watching as cranberries gradually burst and release their natural pectin, transforming the liquid into a rich, glossy consistency.
- Gently stir the sauce periodically, preventing any potential scorching and ensuring even cooking throughout the process.
- Incorporate vibrant orange zest during the final moments of cooking, infusing the sauce with a bright, citrusy essence that complements the tart cranberries.
- Remove the saucepan from heat, allowing the cranberry sauce to rest and naturally thicken as it approaches room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the sauce to a decorative serving dish, presenting a glistening, jewel-toned condiment that will elevate any holiday meal.
- For extended enjoyment, store the cranberry sauce in a sealed container within the refrigerator, where it will maintain its robust flavor for up to one week.
Notes
- Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness that complements the tangy cranberries.
- Add a splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier during cooking for a sophisticated adult version of the classic sauce.
- Experiment with spices like ginger or star anise to create a unique flavor profile that will surprise your guests.
- For a lower-sugar option, reduce the sugar by half and add diced apples or pears to maintain the sauce’s consistency and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg