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Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Description

Homemade cranberry sauce offers a vibrant, tangy, and sweet complement to a variety of dishes beyond the holiday table. Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and your choice of liquid, this quick and versatile sauce enhances meats, sandwiches, desserts, and more with a festive pop of color and balanced flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water or orange juice
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Flavor Enhancers

  • Zest of 1 orange or 1 lemon
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Cloves, nutmeg, or ginger (to taste for spiced version)
  • Honey or maple syrup (as substitute for sugar)
  • Sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol (for a diet-friendly option)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix fresh cranberries, sugar, and your choice of liquid—either water or orange juice. Stir gently to combine the flavors before heating.
  2. Cook Over Medium Heat: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. The cranberries will start to pop and release natural pectin, thickening the sauce.
  3. Add Flavor Enhancers: Add optional ingredients like a cinnamon stick, citrus zest, or a pinch of salt. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
  4. Adjust Consistency and Sweetness: Once the berries have softened and the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust sweetness or liquid as needed. For a smoother texture, mash some berries or blend briefly.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature to thicken further or refrigerate if preparing ahead. The sauce is delicious when served warm or chilled.

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for best texture and bright tart flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness and overly thick sauce.
  • Start with less sugar and adjust sweetness after cooking for perfect balance.
  • Cool completely before storing to develop ideal texture and flavor.
  • Add citrus zest near the end or after cooking to retain its brightness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, homemade cranberry, tangy sauce, easy cranberry recipe

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/cranberry-sauce/