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Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce

Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce
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Classic Christmas Cranberry Sauce is a vibrant, tangy, and sweet holiday condiment made with fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. This easy-to-make sauce adds a burst of color and traditional flavor to your festive meals. Perfect for pairing with turkey or as a topping for desserts, it can be prepared ahead of time and customized with warm spices or fruit variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (from 1 orange)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any soft or discolored berries. Zest and juice a fresh orange. Measure the sugar and water to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
  2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan: In a medium saucepan, mix together sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Cook the Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the boiling mixture. Reduce the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will start to pop and the sauce will thicken naturally.
  4. Add Optional Spices: If desired, add a cinnamon stick or other spices such as cloves or star anise during this simmering stage to infuse warm flavors.
  5. Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the cinnamon stick if used. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature where it will continue to thicken. Transfer to a bowl or jar and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh and firm cranberries for the best tartness and vibrant color.
  • Be sure to include both orange zest and juice to enhance brightness and overall flavor.
  • Simmer gently to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or bitter.
  • Taste and adjust sugar level before the sauce cools for your preferred sweetness.
  • Stir occasionally to decide whether you prefer a chunkier or smoother sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, Christmas cranberry sauce, holiday condiment, homemade cranberry sauce, festive sauce

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