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Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce

Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce
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This Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce recipe is a vibrant, tangy, and effortless homemade sauce that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. Perfect to brighten up your holiday table, it complements turkey, roast meats, and festive side dishes with its fresh, ruby red color and aromatic hint of orange zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water and discard any soft or damaged berries. Carefully zest the orange, avoiding the bitter white pith, and juice the lemon if using.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Saucepan: In a medium saucepan, add cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Stir gently to combine all ingredients before heating.
  3. Cook the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until cranberries start to pop and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add Zest and Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest and lemon juice to add a fresh, bright flavor.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature—it will thicken further as it cools. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for optimal flavor and texture rather than frozen ones.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually by tasting the sauce during cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking to maintain some cranberry texture and prevent jelly-like consistency.
  • Let the sauce rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
  • Experiment with other citrus zest such as lime or grapefruit for creative flavor variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas, Cranberry Sauce, Holiday Condiment, Homemade, Sweet and Tart, Festive, Vegan, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/classic-christmas-cranberry-sauce/