Are you tired of the same old cranberry sauce every Thanksgiving? This year, ditch the canned stuff and elevate your holiday feast (or any meal!) with this incredibly simple yet unbelievably delicious cranberry sauce made with maple syrup. It's the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet maple, creating a flavor explosion that's both sophisticated and comforting. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike, proving that healthy and delicious food recipes don't have to be complicated. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup maple syrup (pure maple syrup is best)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is preferred)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, but adds a lovely citrusy aroma)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, complements the maple perfectly)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, water, orange zest (if using), and cinnamon (if using).
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Bring to a Boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
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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 and the sauce to thicken further. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. This cranberry sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cranberry Sauce:
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Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries ensures the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can be used, but they may result in a slightly softer sauce. If using frozen, thaw them completely before starting.
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Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons. Conversely, add more if you like it sweeter.
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Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices! A pinch of ground cloves or allspice would also complement the cranberry and maple flavors beautifully.
Variations:
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Cranberry Sauce with Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
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Cranberry Sauce with Pecans: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans during the last few minutes of simmering for added texture and nutty flavor.
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Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine: For a sophisticated twist, add 1/4 cup of port wine along with the orange juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 2 cups of cranberry sauce. The nutritional information will vary slightly based on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving will contain roughly:
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
This easy cranberry sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your meal repertoire. Enjoy it as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you crave a burst of sweet and tart flavor. It's a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both satisfying and healthy meals. It's also a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills!