Introduction
Cranberry sauce is a staple during the holiday season, adding a burst of tartness that complements savory dishes beautifully. This simple recipe combines fresh cranberries with orange juice and sugar to create a delightful sauce that’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any festive occasion. The combination of flavors is both refreshing and satisfying, making it a must-have on your holiday table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup orange juice
1 cup granulated sugar
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Approximately 2 cups of cranberry sauce
Directions
1. Rinse the cranberries under cool water, removing any stems or blemished berries.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Add the cranberries to the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will begin to pop open. Continue stirring occasionally.
5. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and most of the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6. Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
7. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Rinse the cranberries under cool water, ensuring to remove any stems or blemished berries.
Step 2: Dissolve Sugar in Orange Juice
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will begin to pop open. Continue stirring occasionally during this time.
Step 5: Check Consistency
Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and most of the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 6: Cool the Sauce
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 7: Store the Sauce
Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Note 1: Choosing Cranberries
Select fresh cranberries that are bright in color and firm to the touch; avoid any that are wrinkled or soft.
Note 2: Adjusting Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preference for a sweeter or more tart sauce.
Note 3: Using Freshly Squeezed Juice
For a more vibrant flavor, consider using freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought.
Note 4: Consistency Tips
If the sauce is too thick after cooling, you can stir in a small amount of water or additional orange juice to reach your desired consistency.
Cook techniques
Rinsing
Rinse the cranberries under cool running water to remove any dirt, stems, or blemished berries before using them in your recipe.
Stirring
Stir the orange juice and sugar mixture occasionally while heating to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
Boiling
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the cranberry sauce mixture to a boil. This step is crucial for cooking the cranberries and allowing them to burst.
Simmering
After boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and the cranberries to pop open, creating a thick sauce.
Cooling
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will thicken even more as it cools, achieving the desired consistency.
Storing
Transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a serving dish or airtight container. Refrigerate until needed, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, but they should be thawed and rinsed before cooking.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Try using less sugar for a tart sauce or add additional sugar for a sweeter flavor.
Can I add other flavors to the cranberry sauce?
Yes, consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, or incorporating zest from an orange or lemon for added flavor.
How long can I store the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator?
The cranberry sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when kept in an airtight container.
Can I freeze cranberry sauce?
Yes, cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to a year. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
This homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful combination of tartness from fresh cranberries and sweetness from orange juice and sugar. It’s perfect for holiday dinners, serving as a vibrant side dish that complements various main courses. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, and its fresh flavors are sure to impress your guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Combine cranberries and orange zest in a muffin batter for a fragrant and delicious breakfast treat.
Cranberry Relish
Mix the cranberry sauce with finely chopped apples and walnuts for a refreshing relish that can be served with meats.
Cranberry Smoothie
Blend cranberry sauce with yogurt and a banana to create a refreshing and tangy smoothie.
Cranberry Salad Dressing
Use cranberry sauce as a base to create a tangy salad dressing by adding olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Use the cranberry sauce as a glaze for grilled or baked chicken for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
