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Old-Fashioned Cranberry Sauce Simple and Tasty Recipe

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For this simple and tasty cranberry sauce, you will need: - 12 oz fresh cranberries - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup water - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are easy swaps: - Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. - Swap orange juice with lemon juice for a tangy kick. - Replace fresh cranberries with frozen ones, but be sure to thaw them first. Want to jazz up your sauce? Try these fun add-ins: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. - 1/4 cup dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness. - A dash of nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice twist. Feel free to mix and match these options to make the sauce your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to rinse the fresh cranberries. Use cold water to wash them well. This step removes any dirt. After rinsing, set them aside to drain completely. Take a moment to check for any bad berries. Discard those that look squished or rotten. You want only the best for your sauce. Grab a medium saucepan for this part. In the pan, mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add a pinch of salt. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently as it heats up. You want the sugar to dissolve fully. Once it starts to simmer, you’re ready to move on. Now it's time to add the cranberries. Carefully put the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan. Pour in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and add the zest of one orange. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir everything well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst open. This is a good sign! Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking to the bottom. If you want a crunchier texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will let the nuts add their flavor. Once the sauce thickens, remove the pan from heat. Let it cool to room temperature, as it will thicken more while cooling. Transfer the sauce to a nice serving dish or an airtight jar. Refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Let it sit for at least one hour to let the flavors blend well. To get the perfect texture, watch the sauce while it cooks. When you simmer the cranberries, they burst open. This helps the sauce thicken naturally. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools. Add more flavor with simple tweaks. You can try mixing in a splash of lemon juice for a tart kick. Another option is to use different spices, like nutmeg or ginger. If you love sweetness, add a bit of brown sugar. You can also mix in a touch of vanilla extract for warmth. Don't forget, the nuts add crunch and depth! Serve your cranberry sauce in a pretty bowl for a festive look. You can garnish it with whole cranberries or a sprig of mint. This adds color and makes it more inviting. If you want to impress, try serving it alongside a cheese platter. The contrast between the sweet sauce and savory cheese is delightful! Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always choose firm, bright cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg to the mixture. Texture Variations: Experiment with different nuts like pistachios or almonds for a unique crunch and flavor contrast. Serving Suggestions: This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cheese platters, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake. {{image_4}} You can brighten up your cranberry sauce with citrus. Try adding lemon or lime juice. Replace the orange juice with either lemon or lime juice. This will give your sauce a fresh twist. You can also add some zest from the lemon or lime for extra flavor. This change will make your sauce tangy and bright. If you want a nut-free version, skip the walnuts or pecans. Your sauce will still be full of flavor. The chopped dried cranberries add texture and sweetness. You can focus on the tart cranberries and the sweet sugar. This version is great for those with nut allergies. It remains tasty and enjoyable for everyone. If you want to cut down on sugar, try other sweeteners. Honey or maple syrup can work well. Use the same amount of honey or syrup as sugar. This will make your sauce a bit different. It may add a unique flavor, too. For a sugar-free option, use a sugar substitute. Just check the package for the right amount to use. Enjoy your sauce made to fit your taste! To keep your cranberry sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the flavor. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before sealing the container. Once sealed, place it in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh for about one week. You can freeze cranberry sauce for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to a year in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. The shelf life of homemade cranberry sauce is about one week in the fridge. If you notice any off smells or mold, discard it right away. For the best practice, always label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. Enjoy your sauce fresh for festive meals or everyday delights! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just rinse them under cold water before cooking. They may take a bit longer to cook than fresh ones. The taste will still be great, though. Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in an airtight jar for best results. If you see mold or an off smell, throw it away. Absolutely! You can make this sauce up to a week ahead. This helps the flavors blend better. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. We covered fresh ingredients, common swaps, and tasty add-ins for your cranberry sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions from preparing cranberries to simmering the sauce. Tips for the right texture and flavor upgrades will lead to a great dish. You can explore variations like citrus and nut-free options, plus storage tips for long-lasting enjoyment. Homemade cranberry sauce is easy and fun. You can impress your guests and enjoy this classic treat!

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Looking for a great dish to complete your holiday meal? This Old-Fashioned Cranberry Sauce is simple and tasty. It adds a tangy kick to any feast. With easy-to-find ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll create a homemade sauce that beats store-bought every time. Plus, I’ll share tips for storage and variations to make it your own. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and impress your guests!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh and Tangy: This recipe captures the bright tartness of cranberries enhanced by orange juice and zest, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
  2. Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and easy steps, this dish can be whipped up in no time, perfect for busy holiday gatherings.
  3. Versatile Use: This delightful sauce can be served with turkey, spread on toast, or even used as a topping for desserts, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
  4. Festive Presentation: Serve it in a decorative bowl garnished with fresh mint and whole cranberries for an eye-catching centerpiece at your table.

Ingredients

List of Fresh Ingredients

For this simple and tasty cranberry sauce, you will need:

– 12 oz fresh cranberries

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup water

– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

– Zest of 1 orange

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– Pinch of salt

Common Substitutions

If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are easy swaps:

– Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.

– Swap orange juice with lemon juice for a tangy kick.

– Replace fresh cranberries with frozen ones, but be sure to thaw them first.

Optional Add-ins for Flavor and Texture

Want to jazz up your sauce? Try these fun add-ins:

– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite.

– 1/4 cup dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.

– A dash of nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice twist.

Feel free to mix and match these options to make the sauce your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cranberries

First, you need to rinse the fresh cranberries. Use cold water to wash them well. This step removes any dirt. After rinsing, set them aside to drain completely. Take a moment to check for any bad berries. Discard those that look squished or rotten. You want only the best for your sauce.

Making the Sugar Syrup

Grab a medium saucepan for this part. In the pan, mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add a pinch of salt. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently as it heats up. You want the sugar to dissolve fully. Once it starts to simmer, you’re ready to move on.

Simmering the Sauce

Now it’s time to add the cranberries. Carefully put the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan. Pour in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and add the zest of one orange. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir everything well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst open. This is a good sign! Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking to the bottom.

If you want a crunchier texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will let the nuts add their flavor. Once the sauce thickens, remove the pan from heat. Let it cool to room temperature, as it will thicken more while cooling.

Transfer the sauce to a nice serving dish or an airtight jar. Refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Let it sit for at least one hour to let the flavors blend well.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Right Consistency

To get the perfect texture, watch the sauce while it cooks. When you simmer the cranberries, they burst open. This helps the sauce thicken naturally. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.

Flavor Enhancement Suggestions

Add more flavor with simple tweaks. You can try mixing in a splash of lemon juice for a tart kick. Another option is to use different spices, like nutmeg or ginger. If you love sweetness, add a bit of brown sugar. You can also mix in a touch of vanilla extract for warmth. Don’t forget, the nuts add crunch and depth!

Presentation Ideas for Serving

Serve your cranberry sauce in a pretty bowl for a festive look. You can garnish it with whole cranberries or a sprig of mint. This adds color and makes it more inviting. If you want to impress, try serving it alongside a cheese platter. The contrast between the sweet sauce and savory cheese is delightful!

Pro Tips

  1. Freshness Matters: Always choose firm, bright cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg to the mixture.
  3. Texture Variations: Experiment with different nuts like pistachios or almonds for a unique crunch and flavor contrast.
  4. Serving Suggestions: This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cheese platters, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake.

Variations

Citrus Variations (Lemon, Lime)

You can brighten up your cranberry sauce with citrus. Try adding lemon or lime juice. Replace the orange juice with either lemon or lime juice. This will give your sauce a fresh twist. You can also add some zest from the lemon or lime for extra flavor. This change will make your sauce tangy and bright.

Nut-Free Version

If you want a nut-free version, skip the walnuts or pecans. Your sauce will still be full of flavor. The chopped dried cranberries add texture and sweetness. You can focus on the tart cranberries and the sweet sugar. This version is great for those with nut allergies. It remains tasty and enjoyable for everyone.

Sweetener Alternatives

If you want to cut down on sugar, try other sweeteners. Honey or maple syrup can work well. Use the same amount of honey or syrup as sugar. This will make your sauce a bit different. It may add a unique flavor, too. For a sugar-free option, use a sugar substitute. Just check the package for the right amount to use. Enjoy your sauce made to fit your taste!

Storage Info

Proper Refrigeration Techniques

To keep your cranberry sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the flavor. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before sealing the container. Once sealed, place it in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh for about one week.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze cranberry sauce for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to a year in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Shelf Life and Best Practices

The shelf life of homemade cranberry sauce is about one week in the fridge. If you notice any off smells or mold, discard it right away. For the best practice, always label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. Enjoy your sauce fresh for festive meals or everyday delights!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just rinse them under cold water before cooking. They may take a bit longer to cook than fresh ones. The taste will still be great, though.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?

Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in an airtight jar for best results. If you see mold or an off smell, throw it away.

Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make this sauce up to a week ahead. This helps the flavors blend better. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

We covered fresh ingredients, common swaps, and tasty add-ins for your cranberry sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions from preparing cranberries to simmering the sauce. Tips for the right texture and flavor upgrades will lead to a great dish. You can explore variations like citrus and nut-free options, plus storage tips for long-lasting enjoyment. Homemade cranberry sauce is easy and fun. You can impress your guests and enjoy this classic trea

For this simple and tasty cranberry sauce, you will need: - 12 oz fresh cranberries - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup water - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are easy swaps: - Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. - Swap orange juice with lemon juice for a tangy kick. - Replace fresh cranberries with frozen ones, but be sure to thaw them first. Want to jazz up your sauce? Try these fun add-ins: - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. - 1/4 cup dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness. - A dash of nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice twist. Feel free to mix and match these options to make the sauce your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to rinse the fresh cranberries. Use cold water to wash them well. This step removes any dirt. After rinsing, set them aside to drain completely. Take a moment to check for any bad berries. Discard those that look squished or rotten. You want only the best for your sauce. Grab a medium saucepan for this part. In the pan, mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add a pinch of salt. Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently as it heats up. You want the sugar to dissolve fully. Once it starts to simmer, you’re ready to move on. Now it's time to add the cranberries. Carefully put the rinsed cranberries into the saucepan. Pour in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and add the zest of one orange. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir everything well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst open. This is a good sign! Stir occasionally to stop it from sticking to the bottom. If you want a crunchier texture, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will let the nuts add their flavor. Once the sauce thickens, remove the pan from heat. Let it cool to room temperature, as it will thicken more while cooling. Transfer the sauce to a nice serving dish or an airtight jar. Refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Let it sit for at least one hour to let the flavors blend well. To get the perfect texture, watch the sauce while it cooks. When you simmer the cranberries, they burst open. This helps the sauce thicken naturally. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools. Add more flavor with simple tweaks. You can try mixing in a splash of lemon juice for a tart kick. Another option is to use different spices, like nutmeg or ginger. If you love sweetness, add a bit of brown sugar. You can also mix in a touch of vanilla extract for warmth. Don't forget, the nuts add crunch and depth! Serve your cranberry sauce in a pretty bowl for a festive look. You can garnish it with whole cranberries or a sprig of mint. This adds color and makes it more inviting. If you want to impress, try serving it alongside a cheese platter. The contrast between the sweet sauce and savory cheese is delightful! Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always choose firm, bright cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg to the mixture. Texture Variations: Experiment with different nuts like pistachios or almonds for a unique crunch and flavor contrast. Serving Suggestions: This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cheese platters, or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake. {{image_4}} You can brighten up your cranberry sauce with citrus. Try adding lemon or lime juice. Replace the orange juice with either lemon or lime juice. This will give your sauce a fresh twist. You can also add some zest from the lemon or lime for extra flavor. This change will make your sauce tangy and bright. If you want a nut-free version, skip the walnuts or pecans. Your sauce will still be full of flavor. The chopped dried cranberries add texture and sweetness. You can focus on the tart cranberries and the sweet sugar. This version is great for those with nut allergies. It remains tasty and enjoyable for everyone. If you want to cut down on sugar, try other sweeteners. Honey or maple syrup can work well. Use the same amount of honey or syrup as sugar. This will make your sauce a bit different. It may add a unique flavor, too. For a sugar-free option, use a sugar substitute. Just check the package for the right amount to use. Enjoy your sauce made to fit your taste! To keep your cranberry sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the flavor. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before sealing the container. Once sealed, place it in the refrigerator. The sauce will stay fresh for about one week. You can freeze cranberry sauce for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to a year in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. The shelf life of homemade cranberry sauce is about one week in the fridge. If you notice any off smells or mold, discard it right away. For the best practice, always label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. Enjoy your sauce fresh for festive meals or everyday delights! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just rinse them under cold water before cooking. They may take a bit longer to cook than fresh ones. The taste will still be great, though. Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in an airtight jar for best results. If you see mold or an off smell, throw it away. Absolutely! You can make this sauce up to a week ahead. This helps the flavors blend better. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. We covered fresh ingredients, common swaps, and tasty add-ins for your cranberry sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions from preparing cranberries to simmering the sauce. Tips for the right texture and flavor upgrades will lead to a great dish. You can explore variations like citrus and nut-free options, plus storage tips for long-lasting enjoyment. Homemade cranberry sauce is easy and fun. You can impress your guests and enjoy this classic treat!

Cranberry Bliss Delight

A delightful cranberry sauce with a hint of orange and spices, perfect for festive occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 zest orange
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for added crunch)
  • 0.25 cup dried cranberries (to enhance texture)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by thoroughly rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water, then set them aside to drain.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  • Once the sugar has dissolved, carefully add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. Next, pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, add the orange zest, and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes. During this time, you'll notice the cranberries bursting open, and the sauce will begin to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • If you choose to include them, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the dried cranberries. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the nuts to infuse their flavor into the sauce.
  • Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Keep in mind that it will thicken further as it cools.
  • After the sauce has cooled, transfer it to a decorative serving dish or an airtight jar. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve, allowing at least one hour for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

Consider serving this delightful cranberry sauce in a festive bowl, garnished with a few whole cranberries and a sprig of fresh mint for an appealing touch.
Keyword cranberry, dessert, holiday, orange, sauce

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