The Best Cranberry Sauce Ever – Experience the combination of tanginess and sweetness, with “The Best Cranberry Sauce,” a side dish that adds vibrancy to any meal. This traditional American favorite brings together cranberries, a touch of citrus, and a hint of cinnamon to create an irresistible sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner this recipe guarantees to please everyone.
When I first made this sauce for our Thanksgiving dinner it was a hit. Even my husband, who isn’t usually fond of cranberries couldn’t stop praising it. Let me tell you my little one practically devoured the sauce before it even made its way to the table! Now this recipe has become a tradition in our family. Adds that special touch, to every holiday meal.
What makes this The Best Cranberry Sauce Ever truly stand out?
What makes “The Best Cranberry Sauce” truly stand out is its simplicity, flavors, and versatility. It’s an easy recipe that can be prepared in 11 minutes. Perfect for those last-minute meal preparations. By using cranberries and real orange juice you’ll experience an explosion of tangy flavors that can enhance any dish. Moreover the comforting hint of cinnamon gives it the versatility to enhance not only holiday feasts, like Thanksgiving and Christmas but everyday meals bringing a festive flair to your usual dishes.
What You Need To Make This The Best Cranberry Sauce Ever Recipe?
Granulated Sugar: The sweet maestro of the recipe. It balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully, creating a harmony of flavors. For a healthier twist, you could experiment with coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute.
Orange Juice: This is the secret ingredient that adds a zesty, citrusy kick. While store-bought is convenient, squeezing fresh oranges adds a burst of freshness that can really elevate the sauce.
Water: The unsung hero, water helps in simmering the cranberries to perfection. It melds with sugar and orange juice to create a syrupy base.
Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! Fresh cranberries bring in a vibrant color and a delightful tartness. If you can’t find fresh, frozen cranberries (thawed) can be a good substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.
Salt: Just a pinch, but it’s crucial. Salt intensifies the cranberries’ natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon Stick: It infuses a subtle, warm spice that’s reminiscent of cozy winter holidays. A small piece goes a long way in adding depth to the sauce.
Orange Peel: This adds an aromatic citrus note that beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries. Using a fresh peel makes a significant difference – it’s like a burst of sunshine in the sauce.
Steps To Make The Best Cranberry Sauce Ever:
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Step 1: First, combine the sugar, orange juice, and water in a saucepan. Heat it up on a medium flame. Stir them together until they become well acquainted.
Step 2: Introduce the cranberries, salt, cinnamon, and orange peel to the mixture.
Step 3: Allow the mixture to gently simmer while stirring occasionally until the cranberries start popping open. As if they are saying hello! Cook for 10 minutes. Keep a few cranberries intact, for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Once cooked let the sauce cool down and settle for 30 minutes. It’s preparing itself for its moment!
Step 5: Refrigerate until it is showtime. You can make this up to 3 days, in advance – it’s a time-saving option!
Tip:
To bring out the richness of flavors you can consider adding a touch of port wine or red wine while simmering the cranberries. The wine adds a complexness that perfectly counterbalances the tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the sugar and orange juice. Just a tablespoon or two will work wonders elevating your sauce to a new level of gourmet elegance. This straightforward addition has the power to shift a sauce into a restaurant-quality accompaniment, for your special holiday banquets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Sure you can definitely use frozen cranberries. Just remember to thaw them before using them.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
The sauce will stay fresh and delicious, for around 10 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Can I make it sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter taste you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Alternatively, you could also add a touch of honey for a different flavor.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
The Best Cranberry Sauce Ever
Ingredients
- ¾ c granulated sugar
- ½ c freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ c water
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries rinsed
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 strip of orange peel use a vegetable peeler or paring knife
Instructions
- Combine ¾ cup of sugar, ½ cup of orange juice and ½ cup of water, in a saucepan.
- Next, add 12 ounces of cranberries, a pinch of salt, one cinnamon stick and a strip of orange peel to the saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries have burst open.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the sauce to cool for at least half an hour.
- After cooling down cover the sauce. Refrigerate it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for, up to three days before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
