Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

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Cranberry sauce is a classic dish often enjoyed during festive meals like Thanksgiving. Its sweet and tart flavor adds a delicious contrast to savory foods. Making your own cranberry sauce is easy and rewarding!

Why Make This Recipe

Homemade cranberry sauce is fresher and tastier than store-bought versions. You can adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking. Plus, it adds a personal touch to your holiday meals.

How to Make Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • Optional: Zest of one orange or lemon for added flavor

Directions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Add the cranberries to the boiling water. Return to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You will hear the cranberries pop!
  4. If you are using citrus zest, add it in after the mixture simmers.
  5. Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
  6. Once cooled, serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until needed.

How to Serve Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce can be served as a side dish with turkey, chicken, or pork. It also works well as a topping for toast or pancakes. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.

How to Store Cranberry Sauce

Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to six months.

Tips to Make Cranberry Sauce

  • Taste the sauce before it cools to adjust the sweetness.
  • For a smoother texture, blend the sauce after it has cooled.
  • Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick.

Variation

You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or other fruits like apples or pears to give your cranberry sauce a unique twist.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried cranberries?

    • Dried cranberries can be used, but they will not give the same flavor or texture as fresh or frozen cranberries.

  2. Is cranberry sauce gluten-free?

    • Yes, cranberry sauce made with just cranberries, water, and sugar is naturally gluten-free.

  3. Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

    • Yes! You can make cranberry sauce a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes even better after the flavors have melded together.