Embark on a pleasant sensory experience with our handmade recipe for Cranberry Sauce. This colorful and zesty sauce is the ideal side dish for your holiday spreads or any other dish that might use a little boost of fruity flavor. Join us as we walk you through making this impressively simple condiment.
Tasting Notes
Our Cranberry Sauce strikes a balance between sweet and tart, with a hint of warmth from aromatic spices. The plump cranberries provide a burst of freshness, making it a versatile and delightful addition to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 4 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester or grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 15-20 minutes).
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if needed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Pro Tips
- Experiment with additional flavorings like a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist.
- Make the cranberry sauce a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
Variations
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat or include finely chopped crystallized ginger for extra spice.
- Berry Medley Sauce: Mix in a cup of blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries for a mixed berry extravaganza.
FAQs
Can I use cranberry sauce for anything other than a side dish?
Absolutely! Cranberry sauce is versatile; use it as a topping for desserts, a glaze for meats, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
Can I use cranberry juice instead of orange juice?
Yes, you can substitute cranberry juice for orange juice, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile.
Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 4 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 15-20 minutes).
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if needed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 50Total Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 0g
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