Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. Can I make cranberry sauce in advance?
   • Yes, cranberry sauce can be made a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
3. What can I use instead of orange juice?
   • Apple juice or white grape juice can be used as a substitute if you prefer.
4. 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.
5. How do I make cranberry sauce thicker?
   • Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it further. It will thicken as it cools.
6. Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
   • Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
7. Is cranberry sauce served hot or cold?
   • It can be served warm or chilled based on your preference.
8. 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.
9. What dishes pair well with cranberry sauce?
   • Cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, and roasted pork.
10. 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

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• Author: khaoula belabess
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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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