Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a delicious cranberry sauce, and this recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Alex Guarnaschelli, elevates this classic side dish to a whole new level. Forget the canned stuff; this homemade cranberry sauce is bursting with fresh flavor, a beautiful balance of sweet and tart, and incredibly easy to make. It's the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, or any autumnal gathering for that matter! This recipe is a great example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt.
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Bring to a Boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. This helps dissolve the sugar and prevents sticking.
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Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly. You'll notice the sauce will start to thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a little thin while still warm.
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Remove Cinnamon Stick: Carefully remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once cooled, the sauce will thicken further. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Cranberry Sauce Success:
- Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries results in a far superior flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Make it Ahead: This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance, allowing you more time to focus on other Thanksgiving preparations. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as ginger, nutmeg, or allspice. A small pinch of freshly grated ginger adds a lovely warmth.
Variations:
- Orange-Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger along with the orange zest.
- Cranberry Sauce with a Hint of Peppermint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract towards the end of cooking. This creates a refreshing twist.
- Spicy Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few finely chopped jalapeños for a delightful kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 0g
This simple yet elegant cranberry sauce recipe makes a perfect addition to any meal, proving that healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious. It's a quick dinner side dish that's sure to impress your guests! Enjoy!