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Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce
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Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant and tangy condiment with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Made from fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and juice, this easy-to-make sauce adds festive flair to any meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features a luscious texture with whole cranberries and a silky sauce, perfect for pairing with roasted turkey, cheeses, or sandwiches. Customize it with optional spices or alcohol for unique variations, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table all year round.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjustable to taste)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Juice of 1 orange (about 1/3 cup)
  • 1/2 cup water

Optional Spices and Add-ins

  • 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 pinch ground ginger
  • 1–2 tablespoons port, brandy, or Grand Marnier (for alcohol-infused version)
  • Chopped nuts (for chunky texture variation)
  • Honey or maple syrup (as natural sweetener substitution)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Rinse fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water. Zest and juice a fresh orange, making sure to remove any seeds and set aside.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Pot: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and water. If using optional spices, add them now. Stir to mix everything evenly.
  3. Cook the Cranberries: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  4. Cool and Adjust: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed before transferring to a serving dish or jar.

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries to provide vibrant texture and natural tartness that canned versions cannot replicate.
  • Don’t rush simmering; slow simmering thickens the sauce naturally and enhances flavor melding.
  • Adjust sugar gradually to avoid overly sweet results.
  • Cool sauce completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation that could dilute the flavor.
  • Fresh orange zest adds essential oils and brightness that elevate the dish.
  • Frozen cranberries work well if thawed slightly before cooking.
  • Leftover sauce can be used as a spread, stirred into yogurt or oatmeal, or added to baked goods for flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, Thanksgiving condiment, tangy sauce, fresh cranberry recipe, quick cranberry sauce, gluten free sauce, festive sauce

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