Vibrant Tangy-Sweet Cranberry (Printable)
A vibrant tangy-sweet cranberry blend ideal for complementing various holiday and savory dishes.
# What's Needed:
→ Fruit
01 - 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
→ Sweetener
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
→ Liquid
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed preferred
→ Flavorings
05 - 1/2 tsp orange zest, optional
06 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, optional
07 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse cranberries under cold water and discard any soft or damaged berries.
02 - In a medium saucepan, mix water, orange juice, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved.
03 - Add cranberries to the saucepan and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and the sauce begins to thicken, about 10 to 12 minutes.
04 - Stir in orange zest and cinnamon if using. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature; sauce will thicken further as it cools.
06 - Transfer sauce to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
# Tips for Success:
01 -
- It's like sharing a little secret: fresh cranberry sauce brings bright, lively flavor that store-bought just can't match
- This sauce is amazingly versatile and can effortlessly brighten everything from turkey to cheese boards
02 -
- Don't rush the cooking—cranberries need a gentle simmer to burst properly without turning mushy
- Additions like a diced apple or a splash of port wine transform this sauce into your own signature dish
03 -
- Stir gently during cooking to avoid breaking down the berries too much unless you want a smoother sauce
- The fresh orange juice and zest are the secret to lifting this sauce above the standard canned stuff