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For this fresh Christmas cranberry sauce, you need: - 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred) - 1 cup granulated sugar - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch) - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness) These ingredients create a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The fresh cranberries give a bright taste, while the orange juice adds a lovely zing. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use lemon juice for a different citrus flavor. - Try maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. - If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. These substitutes keep the sauce delicious but offer new tastes. I recommend using fresh cranberries for this recipe. They burst with juice and flavor. Frozen cranberries can be used, but they may change the texture. If you use frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess water. Fresh cranberries will give your sauce a vibrant color and taste. By choosing the best ingredients, you set the stage for a great sauce. Enjoy making this festive dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by rinsing 12 oz of fresh cranberries. This step helps remove any dirt. 2. In a medium saucepan, mix the cranberries, 1 cup of orange juice, and 1 cup of sugar. 3. Add the zest of 1 orange, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. 4. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture often to dissolve the sugar. 5. When it starts to boil, lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. 6. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. 7. If you like, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans and 1 tablespoon of honey for extra flavor. 8. Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool. It will thicken more as it cools. 9. Once cool, transfer the sauce to a dish or jar. Refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving. - Keep an eye on the heat. If it boils too fast, it may burn. - Stir often to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom of the pan. - Watch for the cranberries to pop open. This means they are ready. - Look for a thickened sauce. It should coat the back of a spoon. - If you see many burst cranberries, it is almost done. - Let it cool a bit. If it thickens more, it’s ready to serve. To get the right texture for your cranberry sauce, cook it slowly. Start with a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir often to help the cranberries burst. You want a thick, jam-like sauce. If it seems too runny, just cook it longer. It will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it looks thin at first. Cranberry sauce needs a good mix of sweet and tart. I use fresh orange juice and sugar to balance the flavors. You can taste as you go. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more salt or cinnamon. If it's too tart, stir in more sugar or honey. A little zest of orange also brightens the taste. Serve your cranberry sauce with turkey or ham for the best flavor. It also works well on a cheese board. Use it as a topping for pancakes or yogurt. You can even mix it into a salad for a pop of color and taste. For a festive touch, add chopped pecans for crunch. Enjoy it cold or at room temp! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cranberries: Using fresh cranberries will yield the best flavor and texture. Avoid using canned cranberries for this recipe to ensure a vibrant and tart sauce. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more honey or sugar to taste. Remember that the sweetness will balance with the tartness of the cranberries. Enhance with Spices: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cloves for a more complex flavor profile. Just a pinch can elevate your cranberry bliss sauce. Serve Chilled: Allow the sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken further. {{image_2}} You can make your cranberry sauce even better with spices and herbs. Try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg for warmth. A touch of ginger gives a nice zing. If you like, mix in some fresh rosemary or thyme. These herbs add a fresh taste that pairs well with cranberries. Experiment with these flavors to see what you enjoy most. Changing fruits can make your sauce unique. You can add diced apples or pears for sweetness. Pineapple chunks give a tropical twist. You can also use berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add color and taste to your sauce. Mixing fruits can create a fun and tasty sauce for your meal. If you want a nut-free option, leave out the pecans. You can add seeds instead, like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds will give a nice crunch without the nuts. They also add a healthy touch to your sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy the sauce, no matter their diet. To store your leftover cranberry sauce, place it in a clean, airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors from mixing. Make sure the sauce is cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you notice any mold or off smells, it's best to toss it out. You can freeze cranberry sauce for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. It will stay fresh for up to six months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stir well before serving. For storing cranberry sauce, glass jars work great. They do not stain and keep the sauce fresh. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they are BPA-free. If you want single servings, use ice cube trays. Just scoop the sauce into the trays and freeze. Then, pop out the cubes and store them in a bag. This way, you can take out just what you need. Yes, you can make cranberry sauce a few days before. It tastes better when chilled. Make it up to four days in advance. Store it in the fridge in a covered jar. This gives the flavors time to blend. Plus, it saves you time on the big day! To make cranberry sauce less tart, add more sugar or honey. You can also mix in some orange juice or zest. These add sweetness and flavor. If you like it sweeter, taste as you go. Adjust until it’s just right for you! Cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. Here are some favorites: - Roast turkey - Ham - Stuffing - Mashed potatoes - Grilled chicken - Cheese platters Try it with your favorite holiday meals. It adds a bright, fresh touch! In this blog post, we explored how to make great cranberry sauce. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to get it just right. You learned about substitutes, consistency, and best practices for storage. Remember, balancing sweetness with tartness is key. You can even try fun variations like adding spices or different fruits. This sauce can elevate your meals and impress your guests. Enjoy making it your own!

Festive Cranberry Bliss

A delightful cranberry sauce infused with orange and spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 zest of 1 orange
  • 1 4 cup chopped pecans (optional for crunch)
  • 1 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
  • If using, fold in the chopped pecans and honey during the last few minutes of cooking for added texture and sweetness.
  • Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or jar and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.

Notes

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.
Keyword cranberry sauce, holiday recipe, thanksgiving