Tired of boring, bland cranberry sauces that blend into the background of your holiday feast? Get ready to revolutionize your Thanksgiving table with a cranberry sauce that packs a serious flavor punch! This isn't your grandmother's traditional recipe - it's a bold, zesty twist that will have your guests talking long after the meal is over. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes, this cranberry sauce transforms from a simple side dish into a culinary star that will elevate every bite of your holiday meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and necessary kitchen tools: a medium saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon, and a clean storage container.
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cool water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat and add the orange juice and sugar, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the washed cranberries to the sugar-orange juice mixture, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper, mixing well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- If using walnuts, stir them in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for added texture and flavor.
- Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature, during which it will continue to thicken.
- Transfer to a clean storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld together.
Tips
- • Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and brightest flavor - frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best. • Don't walk away while cooking! Cranberry sauce can quickly go from perfect to burned, so stay close and stir occasionally. • For an extra smooth sauce, you can gently mash the cranberries with the back of your spoon as they cook. • The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems slightly runny while cooking. • Want to make ahead? This sauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to develop even more. • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference - start with less and add more if you want more kick. • Toast the walnuts before adding for an extra layer of nutty flavor that complements the spicy-sweet sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
