Description
A bright and flavorful addition to your holiday table, zesty homemade cranberry sauce is quick to prepare and loaded with fresh, tangy goodness. Perfect for pairing with turkey, ham, or even desserts, this recipe combines cranberries, sugar, and orange juice to create a simple yet unforgettable side dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
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Prep the Ingredients:
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- Measure out the sugar and orange juice to have everything ready.
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Combine and Heat:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
- Stir gently to ensure the sugar coats the cranberries evenly.
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Bring to a Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally.
- As the mixture heats, the cranberries will begin to pop and release their juices, forming a thick sauce. This process typically takes about 10 minutes.
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Adjust the Texture:
- For a chunkier sauce, lightly mash some of the cranberries with a spoon.
- For a smoother texture, cook the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes and mash most of the berries.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Transfer to a serving dish or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen cranberries can be used without thawing.
- Make Ahead: Cranberry sauce tastes better as it sits. Prepare it up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce or reduce it slightly for a more tart flavor.
- Texture: This recipe can easily be adapted for smooth or chunky textures based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American