The holiday season is upon us, and what’s a feast without a bright, tangy Easy Cranberry Sauce? It’s that magical condiment that dances between sweet and tart, bringing every dish on your table to life. turkey sliders with cranberry aioli The vibrant red hue and the delightful texture of whole cranberries give it an irresistible charm that even your great-aunt Edna can’t resist.
Picture this: family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as you scoop up a generous dollop of this festive sauce. You can practically smell the spices mingling with the sharpness of fresh cranberries. crockpot cranberry meatballs Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or that random Tuesday when you just need some deliciousness in your life, this Easy Cranberry Sauce is bound to become your go-to recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This easy cranberry sauce requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. You can easily tweak the sweetness to match your taste buds. The gorgeous ruby color adds elegance to any meal. Perfectly pairs with turkey, ham, or even a cheese platter for versatile snacking. [/info_box]
I recall making this cranberry sauce for the first time and watching my family transform from skeptics into fans in mere seconds. That moment when they took their first bite was priceless! For more inspiration, check out this autumn wild rice soup recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Cranberries: Look for plump, shiny berries; they should bounce back when gently pressed.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for balancing the tartness; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference. creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
Water: This helps create the perfect consistency for your sauce; use filtered water if possible for better flavor.
Orange Zest: Adding zest gives a citrusy brightness; use a microplane grater for fine shavings.
Cinnamon Stick: A stick adds warmth and depth; remove it before serving for a smoother texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this pumpkin whipped feta dip recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cool water to remove any debris. Discard any squishy or damaged berries so only the best make it into your sauce.
Combine Water and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together one cup of water and one cup of sugar until dissolved. Watch as it transforms from granulated chaos into syrupy bliss.
Add Cranberries and Spices: Toss in two cups of cranberries along with a cinnamon stick and orange zest. Stir everything together while letting those magical flavors merge on low heat – trust me, your kitchen will start to smell divine!
Simmer Away!: Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst open and thicken into a luscious sauce. Don’t be alarmed by any popping sounds; that’s just them getting cozy!
Cool and Store: Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve – if you can resist tasting it beforehand!
This Easy Cranberry Sauce is not just a sidekick but rather an essential part of any holiday feast! cranberry orange muffins.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Easy cranberry sauce is a game-changer for any holiday meal. With its bright color and tart flavor, it adds a festive touch that complements savory dishes perfectly. Plus, making it from scratch is easier than unwrapping store-bought options! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by rinsing the cranberries thoroughly. Then, combine them with sugar and water in a pot, bringing it to a boil while stirring gently to dissolve the sugar completely.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Add orange zest for brightness or chopped apples for sweetness. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile dramatically.
Storing & Reheating
Store your easy cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve the perfect consistency, simmer the sauce until the cranberries burst and thicken naturally. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed for personal preference. Remember that flavors deepen as it cools, so don’t overdo it! [/info_box]
Creating easy cranberry sauce reminds me of my first Thanksgiving dinner at home. I nervously served my family this vibrant dish, and the smiles on their faces made all my efforts worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for easy cranberry sauce?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones in this recipe.
How long does easy cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade cranberry sauce lasts up to two weeks when stored properly.
Can I make easy cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a few days before serving for best flavor development.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Cranberry Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast, balancing sweet and tart flavors in a vibrant, ruby-hued dish. This simple recipe transforms fresh cranberries into a luscious sauce that enhances turkey, ham, or even cheese platters. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a homemade condiment that will impress your family and friends. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this Easy Cranberry Sauce is bound to become a staple at your table!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cool water and discard any damaged ones.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and sugar until dissolved.
- Add cranberries, orange zest, and cinnamon stick; stir well.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat, cool at room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
