Cranberry recipes hold a special place in my heart, especially during the holidays! There’s something magical about that vibrant red sauce glistening on the dinner table, just waiting to complement my perfectly roasted turkey. I remember my grandma’s kitchen filled with the sweet and tart aroma of simmering cranberries, and it instantly brings back those cozy family gatherings. This easy cranberry sauce recipe is not only a staple for Thanksgiving but also a versatile condiment that can elevate all kinds of dishes. Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all year round!
Ingredients List
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
How to Prepare Cranberry Sauce
Making cranberry sauce is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is! To start, rinse your fresh cranberries under cold water, making sure to remove any that are mushy or blemished. This little step ensures you’re only working with the best fruit! Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine the water and sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, toss in those beautiful cranberries and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll hear them pop and burst, releasing that wonderful tartness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any damaged ones.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the rinsed cranberries to the pot and allow them to cook for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice them bursting open, creating that lovely, thick sauce!
- Once they’ve simmered, stir in 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools.
- Transfer the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes plus chilling time!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Deliciously balanced sweet and tart flavor that enhances any meal.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, but tasty enough to enjoy year-round.
- Versatile—great as a condiment for turkey, a spread for sandwiches, or even drizzled over desserts!
- Can be made ahead of time, making holiday prep a breeze.
Tips for Success
To make the best cranberry sauce, here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way! First, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste—if you like it sweeter, just add a bit more sugar as it cooks. You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or ginger for a unique twist! If you’re planning ahead, this sauce can be made up to a week in advance, which is a lifesaver during the holiday rush. When serving, try it not just with turkey, but also as a topping for cream cheese on crackers or as a vibrant addition to your yogurt parfaits. You’ll be amazed at how versatile it is!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for this delightful cranberry sauce, based on the ingredients I use. Each serving (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately 100 calories, 20g of sugar, 0mg of sodium, 0g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this cranberry sauce recipe. Just toss them in straight from the freezer, and you might need to extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?
This sauce can last up to a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up!
Can I make this sauce without sugar?
Yes! You can substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.
What dishes pair well with cranberry sauce?
This sauce is a classic with turkey, but it’s also fantastic on sandwiches, with cheese, or even drizzled over desserts like cheesecake. The possibilities are endless!
Can I can this cranberry sauce for later use?
Yes! You can can this sauce in sterilized jars, making it a perfect gift for the holidays or a convenient condiment to have on hand year-round. Just follow proper canning procedures to ensure it’s safe to store.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover cranberry sauce is super easy! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it can last up to a week. If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze it in portions—just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat; it’s just as delicious served cold!
Z nadrukami
Cranberry Recipes: 5 Ways to Elevate Your Holiday Meals
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 2 cups
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious and easy cranberry sauce recipe.
Składniki
- Fresh cranberries – 12 ounces
- Sugar – 1 cup
- Water – 1 cup
- Orange juice – 1/2 cup
- Orange zest – 1 tablespoon
Instrukcje
- Rinse cranberries under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries and cook for about 10 minutes until they burst.
- Stir in orange juice and zest.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Uwagi
- This sauce can be made ahead of time.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Serve with turkey or as a spread.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Condiment
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1/4 cup
- Kalorie: 100
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 0mg
- Kwasy: 0g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 0g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 0g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: cranberry sauce, cranberry recipes, Thanksgiving recipes
