Introduction:
This Cranberry Sauce is a quintessential holiday side dish that’s both tart and sweet. Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a perfect complement to your holiday turkey or any festive meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest (if using), cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Cranberries: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cranberry sauce and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar. Simmer for a few more minutes if you add additional sugar to allow it to dissolve.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. Let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools.
- Serve: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. Serve warm or chilled. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Servings and Timing:
- Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling time)
Variations:
- Spiced: Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Fruit-Enhanced: Incorporate chopped apples or pears for added texture and flavor.
- Nutty: Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
Storage/Reheating:
- Storage: Store cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
10 FAQs:
- Can I use dried cranberries?
- Fresh or frozen cranberries are best for this recipe as they provide the right texture and tartness. Dried cranberries won’t work as well.
- Can I make cranberry sauce in advance?
- Yes, cranberry sauce can be made a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- What can I use instead of orange juice?
- Apple juice or white grape juice can be used as a substitute if you prefer.
- Can I omit the sugar?
- Sugar is essential for balancing the tartness of cranberries. You can reduce the amount or use an alternative sweetener if preferred.
- How do I make cranberry sauce thicker?
- Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it further. It will thicken as it cools.
- Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
- Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Is cranberry sauce served hot or cold?
- It can be served warm or chilled based on your preference.
- Can I add alcohol to the sauce?
- Yes, you can add a splash of red wine or port for an adult twist. Add it with the other liquids and simmer.
- What dishes pair well with cranberry sauce?
- Cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, and roasted pork.
- How do I adjust the sauce for a larger crowd?
- Simply multiply the recipe as needed. Use a larger pot and adjust cooking times if making a very large batch.
Conclusion: This Cranberry Sauce recipe is a delicious and versatile addition to any holiday meal. Its bright, tangy flavor and rich, sweet notes make it a standout side dish. Easy to prepare and adaptable to various tastes, it’s sure to enhance your festive table and become a cherished tradition.
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Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic holiday side dish, this Cranberry Sauce combines tart cranberries with sweet orange juice and a hint of cinnamon for a perfect complement to turkey or any festive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest (if using), cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Cranberries: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add more sugar if needed. Simmer a few more minutes to dissolve additional sugar if used.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm or chilled. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Notes
- The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
- Can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0g