Description
Cranberry Sauce Magic brings festive seasonal charm to holiday tables with its simple, zesty blend of tart berries and sweet notes. Homemade goodness elevates your Thanksgiving feast, offering a delightful condiment that complements traditional roasted meats and hearty sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) pure orange juice
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
Spice and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine water, orange juice, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan, heating over medium-high until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Gently introduce whole cranberries into the bubbling liquid, immediately reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
- Allow cranberries to cook undisturbed for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring, watching for berries to burst and release their natural pectin.
- When most berries have split open, crush them using a potato masher to create a rustic texture, or puree completely in a blender for a smoother consistency.
- Continue simmering for an additional 3 minutes to concentrate flavors and achieve desired thickness.
- Remove from heat, leaving the sauce uncovered on the stove to cool and naturally thicken for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
- Transfer the vibrant crimson sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours to enhance the flavor profile and achieve optimal serving consistency.
Notes
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels, adding more for a sweeter sauce or less for a tart flavor profile.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for different dietary needs or flavor variations.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid if the sauce appears too runny, creating a thicker consistency perfect for spreading or serving.
- Enhance the sauce with additional spices like star anise, cardamom, or a pinch of ground cloves to create a more complex and interesting flavor dimension.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg