Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cwater
- ½ cfresh orange juice
from two oranges
- ¾ cplus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1bag fresh or frozen cranberries
do not use dried
- 2 tspzest of one orange
about
- salt
Directions
- 1
In a medium sauce pan over high heat, bring the water, orange juice, and sugar to a boil. Add the cranberries, orange zest, and salt and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and boil gently for 10 to 12 minutes, until most of cranberries have burst open. (You may need to mash them a bit with a spoon.)
- 2
Transfer sauce to a serving bowl. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- 3
Make-Ahead/Freezing Instructions: Cranberry sauce will keep for 10 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Cranberry Sauce
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About this Recipe
Searching for that perfect, vibrant cranberry sauce to complete your holiday table? This easy recipe delivers fresh, tart-sweet flavor that's miles ahead of anything from a can, making it an essential addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
What makes this cranberry sauce truly special is the bright combination of fresh cranberries with a generous amount of fresh orange juice and zest. The natural acidity from the orange perfectly balances the sweetness, allowing the authentic, bracing tartness of the cranberries to shine through. This thoughtful pairing creates a depth of flavor that's both comforting and invigorating, elevating a classic side dish.
Prepare for a delightful burst of color and a harmonious interplay of tart and sweet notes on your palate. You'll experience the satisfying pop of individual cranberries as they gently soften and release their vibrant juices, transforming into a thick, glossy sauce. The fragrant, fresh orange essence is aromatic and refreshing, providing a sunny counterpoint to rich holiday meats and starchy sides. This naturally bright and fruity sauce, perfect for Fall and Winter gatherings, will quickly become a cherished part of your culinary traditions.
This cranberry sauce recipe offers inherent flexibility; you can confidently use either fresh or frozen cranberries (just be sure to avoid dried ones). While the recipe provides a carefully calibrated amount of sugar for a balanced, classic taste, you can subtly adjust it to align with your personal preference for a slightly more tart or sweeter finish, ensuring it's perfect for your family's palate.
This homemade cranberry sauce is the quintessential partner for a succulent roast turkey, whether it's the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving spread. Beyond the main course, it's equally fantastic stirred into a leftover turkey sandwich, served alongside pork tenderloin, or even dolloped over plain yogurt for a festive breakfast. Its versatility makes it a year-round delight, not just for the holidays.