Imagine a cranberry sauce so incredibly delicious that it transforms your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This isn't just any cranberry sauce - this is a game-changing recipe that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the crisp, tangy bite of Granny Smith apples. Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or simply elevating your everyday meals, this homemade sauce will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or damaged berries, discarding them to ensure only the best cranberries are used.
- Peel the Granny Smith apple and dice it into small, uniform pieces. This will help it cook evenly and blend well with the cranberries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the rinsed cranberries and diced Granny Smith apple to the saucepan. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mixture, stirring well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You will notice the cranberries begin to pop and break down, thickening the sauce as it cooks.
- Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can mash some of the cranberries with the back of a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or airtight container. It can be served warm or chilled, and is best enjoyed after it has been refrigerated for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce with Granny Smith apple as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite dishes!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cranberries: Look for plump, firm cranberries with a deep red color. Avoid any that are soft or have brown spots.
- Control Your Consistency: For a chunkier sauce, cook less. For a smoother texture, mash the cranberries more or cook longer.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 3/4 cup of sugar and taste as you go.
- Spice It Up: While this recipe uses cinnamon, feel free to experiment with other spices like orange zest or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Make Ahead: This sauce actually tastes better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep and holiday planning.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
