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To make your homemade cranberry sauce, you will need the following ingredients: - 12 ounces fresh cranberries - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup water - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Pinch of salt - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) These ingredients create a bright, tangy sauce that will wow your taste buds. The fresh cranberries give a tart flavor. The sugar balances this with sweetness. The orange zest and juice add a citrusy punch that lifts the dish. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice, creating depth. If you like nuts, pecans add a nice crunch. You can leave them out if you prefer a smooth sauce. Each ingredient plays a role in making this sauce rich and flavorful. When you combine these simple items, you get a delightful sauce that complements many meals. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. You want to remove dirt and any bad berries. Look closely and sort them. Discard any stems or damaged berries. This step ensures your sauce tastes fresh. Next, take a medium saucepan. Pour in 1 cup of water and add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves. This creates a sweet base for your sauce. Now, add the rinsed cranberries to your saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the zest of 1 orange, 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst, and the sauce will thicken slightly. If you like nuts, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add a nice crunch. Once the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools. Transfer it to a bowl or jar for serving later. To know when the sauce is thickened, watch for the cranberries to burst. They should pop open, releasing their juices. Stir the sauce gently while it simmers. You want it to look glossy and slightly thick. If you want it a bit thicker, let it cook longer. Adding a few spices can boost your cranberry sauce. Ground cinnamon gives warmth. A touch of ground nutmeg adds depth. You can also try adding ginger for a kick. If you want sweetness, consider a splash of maple syrup. Fresh herbs like rosemary can make it unique too. Homemade cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. It is great with turkey at holiday meals. Try it on sandwiches for lunch. It also goes well with desserts like cheesecake or ice cream. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture in your sauce. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the sugar level to make the sauce sweeter or more tart. Thickening Tip: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, let it simmer a little longer while stirring occasionally. Storage Solution: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can swap sugar with honey or maple syrup. Both add sweetness and a unique taste. If you want a low-calorie option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia. Just remember, use less, as these sweeteners are often sweeter than sugar. Want to spice things up? Add a tablespoon of grated ginger for warmth. You can also mix in some apple juice. This gives the sauce a sweet and fruity twist. Other options include a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cayenne for extra heat. If you or your guests have nut allergies, skip the pecans. The sauce tastes great without them. For added texture, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. These seeds will give your sauce a nice crunch without the nuts. To keep your cranberry sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge after it cools. This helps preserve its flavor and texture. It tastes best when chilled, so make sure to let it cool to room temperature first. You can freeze your cranberry sauce for later use. To do this, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stir it before serving to regain its texture. Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to six months. Always check for any off smell or changes in color before using. Enjoy your sauce at its best! Yes, you can make homemade cranberry sauce ahead of time. I often prepare it a few days before serving. This saves time on busy days. To prepare in advance, follow these steps: - Make the sauce as directed. - Let it cool to room temperature. - Store it in an airtight container. - Place it in the fridge. This way, the flavors will blend well. It will taste even better after a day or two. Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in a sealed jar or container. Make sure the lid is tight to keep it fresh. If you freeze it, it can last up to six months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using. You can use dried cranberries, but the sauce will be different. Dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier. If you want to use them, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will soften them. Then, add them to the sauce while it cooks. Keep in mind, the texture will change. The sauce may not be as thick or tart as with fresh cranberries. Making homemade cranberry sauce is easy and fun. You can use fresh cranberries, sugar, and spices to create a tasty treat. Follow the steps for cooking and thickening your sauce just right. Use our tips for serving and storing to keep it fresh. Mix in variations to suit your taste. Whether for a holiday meal or just because, this sauce is a hit. Try these steps, and enjoy your delicious cranberry sauce!

Cranberry Bliss Sauce

A delightful sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and spices, perfect for pairing with turkey, sandwiches, and desserts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1 4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or damaged berries.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Allow it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • If using, stir in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor in the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Once thickened, remove from heat. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a bowl or jar. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Serve your cranberry bliss sauce chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Optional chopped pecans can be added for extra texture.
Keyword cranberry, holiday, sauce