Forget those bland, store-bought cranberry sauces that slide out of a can with a sad, gelatinous plop! This homemade fresh cranberry sauce is about to revolutionize your holiday dining experience. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, zesty condiment that's bursting with bright flavors, natural sweetness, and a touch of festive magic that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cool water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the sugar-water mixture and place the pan over medium-high heat.
- Grate the orange zest directly into the saucepan, adding a bright citrusy flavor to the sauce.
- If using, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the cranberries simmer, continuing to stir occasionally.
- Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, watching as the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat when the sauce reaches a jam-like consistency and most berries have burst open.
- Let the cranberry sauce cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, during which it will continue to thicken.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- • Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and flavor - avoid soft or wrinkled berries. • Don't walk away while cooking - cranberries can quickly go from perfectly simmered to burned. • For a less sweet sauce, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup. • Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur for an adult twist. • The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools, so don't worry if it seems thin while cooking. • Make ahead: This sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week, making holiday prep easier. • For a smoother texture, you can gently mash the cranberries with a potato masher during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
