Introduction
Cranberry Sauce is a classic holiday condiment, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinners, or festive gatherings. Its vibrant, tangy-sweet flavor, bursting with fresh cranberries and bright orange notes, complements roasted meats and elevates any meal. Served in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with an orange zest curl and a sprig of mint, this cranberry sauce creates a festive, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a classic cranberry sauce that is adaptable for dietary preferences and is best served chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, zesty experience.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 12 oz (1 bag) fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, about 1 large orange)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Pinch of kosher salt
For Serving:
- Optional: Orange zest curl, fresh mint sprig
- Suggested Accompaniments: Roast turkey, mashed potatoes
- Suggested Pairings: Sparkling cider, red wine
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Medium saucepan, zester
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Cranberries: Rinse cranberries under cold water, removing any soft or damaged berries. Drain well.
- Cook Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a smoother texture, mash gently with a spoon or blend partially with an immersion blender.
- Serve: Transfer to a white ceramic bowl. Garnish with an orange zest curl and a mint sprig if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, sparkling cider, or red wine.
Tips for Better Cranberry Sauce
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; frozen work, but may need 1-2 extra minutes of cooking.
- Adjust sugar to taste; reduce to 3/4 cup for a tarter sauce or add 1/4 cup more for sweeter.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning as the sauce thickens.
- Zest the orange before juicing for easier preparation; avoid the bitter white pith.
- Cool the sauce before refrigerating to prevent condensation in storage.
- Make ahead 1-2 days for better flavor melding; flavors deepen over time.
- For a chunkier texture, avoid mashing; for smoother, blend lightly.
- Enhance aesthetic: Place a mint sprig delicately, curl zest artfully, and serve in a white ceramic bowl for a festive look.
Variations and Customization
- Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce: Use 3/4 cup sugar substitute (e.g., stevia, adjusted for sweetness) instead of sugar.
- Vegan Cranberry Sauce: Naturally vegan; ensure sugar is vegan-certified.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add 1/4 tsp ground cloves or 1 star anise during cooking (remove before serving).
- Bourbon Cranberry Sauce: Stir in 2 tbsp bourbon after cooking for a boozy twist.
- Apple Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 peeled, diced apple with cranberries for added sweetness.
- Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 seeded, minced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for a zesty warmth.
- Low-Sodium Cranberry Sauce: Omit salt or use a salt substitute.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 10 days.
- Freeze in an airtight container for 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature; warm sauce is runnier.
- Stir before serving to restore a smooth texture after refrigeration.
- Use leftovers as a spread for sandwiches, a topping for yogurt, or a swirl in desserts.
- Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Pair with savory dishes like turkey to balance sweetness.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with zest and mint for a festive charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (1/4 cup each):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 2% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
- Calcium: 1% Daily Value
- Iron: 1% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in sugar; try a sugar-free version. Serve with protein for balance.
Conclusion
This cranberry sauce recipe offers a tangy, festive condiment perfect for any occasion. It turns simple ingredients into a classic. Its easy preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The bright cranberry flavor and glossy texture, with delicate garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its holiday appeal.
Cranberry Sauce Recipe: Tangy and Festive
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¼ tsp cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Orange zest mint
- Suggested Pairings: Turkey cider
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries and drain.
- Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, zest, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes until thickened.
- Cool for 30 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
- Garnish with zest and mint; serve with turkey and cider.
Notes
- Adjust sugar for tartness.
- Store in fridge for 10 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Try a spiced variation.
- Pair with potatoes.
