During the holiday season, as the family gets together it’s always fun to celebrate the holidays with traditional food. While we all love the canned cranberry sauce it’s fun to make it from scratch from time to time. Enjoy this simple and easy-to-make recipe!
Cranberry Sauce from Scratch
Equipment
- 1 Sauce Pan
- Measuring Cups
- 1 Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
- 1/2 cup Juice of 1 orange (optional)
- 1 Cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries under running water and discard any soft or mushy ones. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Cranberries and Flavorings: Add the cranberries to the saucepan. If using, add the orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon at this point. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the cranberries simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will burst and the mixture will thicken.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: Taste the cranberry sauce. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar to taste. If it's too tart, add a bit more sugar. For extra flavor, adjust by adding more orange zest, juice, or cinnamon, based on your preference.
- Cool and Serve: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Transfer it to a bowl or airtight container and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Optional Step: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the cranberry sauce once it has cooled slightly. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Serve: Cranberry sauce can be served chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes, particularly with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or as a spread on sandwiches.
Notes
This homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and additional flavors according to your taste preferences. This is a great recipe to have at any holiday party or family dinner.
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