Sauce
Cranberry Sauce
On December 10, 2023 by userCranberry sauce is a classic and delightful addition to holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade cranberry sauce:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of one orange (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Rinse Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, rinse them under cold water and discard any damaged or bruised ones.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt.
- Optional Additions: Add orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the saucepan for additional flavor. The orange complements the tartness of the cranberries.
- Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
- Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve or Refrigerate: Once cooled, you can serve the cranberry sauce immediately, or transfer it to a container, cover, and refrigerate. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Optional Straining (if desired): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the sauce to remove the cranberry skins. Simply press the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve, using the back of a spoon.
Enjoy this homemade cranberry sauce as a side dish with turkey, chicken, or ham during your holiday meals. It’s also delicious as a condiment with sandwiches or as a topping for desserts.