Cranberry Sauce
Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive dinner, this vibrant and tangy sauce never fails to add color and flavor to the table.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Stirre
- Zester or grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish or bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries about one bag
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water or orange juice for a zesty twist
- Zest of one orange optional, but adds a lovely citrus flavor
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Prepare the Cranberries
- Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. This removes any dirt or debris.
- Pro Tip: Inspect the cranberries and discard any that are squished or shriveled. These won't cook properly and may affect the texture of your sauce.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Medium Saucepan
- In your medium saucepan, add the fresh cranberries, sugar, and your choice of liquid (water or orange juice).
- Pro Tip: If you’re using orange juice, fresh-squeezed is ideal for the best flavor. If you prefer a less tart sauce, you can add a little more sugar to balance the taste.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
- Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up, making sure the sugar dissolves completely. Once it starts to boil, you'll hear the cranberries start to pop — this is a good sign that the sauce is coming together.
- Pro Tip: Stir every minute or so to avoid burning the sugar at the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Lower the Heat and Simmer
- Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low, allowing the cranberries to simmer. The cranberries will begin to break down, and you’ll hear more popping sounds. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking to the pan.
- Pro Tip: Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst open and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the Orange Zest and Salt
- Once the cranberries have cooked down and you’re happy with the texture, stir in the orange zest and a pinch of salt. The orange zest adds a fresh, fragrant touch, while the salt helps balance the sweetness.
- Pro Tip: Taste the sauce before adding salt — some people prefer it sweeter, while others like the tanginess of the cranberry flavor to stand out more.
Step 6: Cool the Sauce
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a bowl or serving dish. As it cools, the sauce will thicken further.
- Pro Tip: If you’re preparing the sauce in advance, let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge. It’ll last up to 4-5 days!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the cranberry sauce has cooled to room temperature or has been chilled in the fridge, it’s ready to serve! You can serve it warm or cold, depending on your preference.
- Pro Tip: If you're serving it cold, let it sit out for a few minutes to bring out its natural flavors before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per 1/4 Cup Serving)
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugars: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin C: ~10% DV
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.