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holiday table with a crystal bowl of cranberry sauce

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries or frozen
  • 1 cup granulated sugar or your favorite sweetener
  • 1 orange: the zest and the juice
  • 3/4 cup water

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Combine sugar, water, cranberries, orange zest and orange juice in a medium saucepan. bring to a simmer
  2. Cook for 10 - 12 minutes stirring occasionally. Cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken.
  3. Remove from heat. stir in any optional flavorings
  4. Cool completely. The sauce will thicken even more as it chills. I prefer to serve it chilled. Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Video

Notes

Flavor Variations to try
Orange & Spice Cranberry Sauce
Add orange zest, a cinnamon stick, and a pinch of cloves for a warm, aromatic twist.
Maple Cranberry Sauce
Replace sugar with pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and depth.
Apple Cranberry Sauce
Add dices of apple and a splash of apple cider for a fruit- forward version.
Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
Simmer cranberries in a mix of red wine and sugar for a rich, sophisticated flavor.
Ginger Cranberry Sauce
Fresh grated ginger brings a bright, zesty kick.