Are you tired of the same old canned cranberry sauce? This homemade cranberry sauce recipe, made with a touch of apple juice, is a game-changer. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavor, and a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table or any autumnal meal. Forget the artificial sweeteners and preservatives; this recipe lets the natural sweetness of cranberries and apples shine through. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and healthy side dish! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, making it a go-to for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup apple juice (unsweetened is best)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or to taste, depending on the tartness of your cranberries and preference)
- 1 orange, zested and juiced (optional, for extra zing!)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water. Remove any stems or damaged berries.
Combine & Cook:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, apple juice, sugar, orange zest (if using), orange juice (if using), and cinnamon (if using).
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent burning. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Cool & Serve:
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken even more. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the sauce to a bowl and placing it in an ice bath.
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Once cool, transfer the cranberry sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop. This homemade cranberry sauce tastes even better the next day!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Taste and Adjust: The amount of sugar you need might vary depending on the tartness of your cranberries. Start with ½ cup and add more to taste.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with other spices like cloves or allspice for a unique flavor profile. A tiny pinch of nutmeg also works beautifully.
- Make it Ahead: This cranberry sauce is even better the day after you make it! Make it ahead of time to save yourself some stress during your busy holiday preparations.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a chunkier cranberry sauce, reduce the simmering time. For a smoother sauce, simmer for a longer time, or use an immersion blender to puree it slightly after it cools.
Variations:
- Orange-Cranberry Sauce: Enhance the citrusy notes by adding the zest and juice of two oranges.
- Cranberry-Apple Sauce: For a sweeter and fruitier sauce, add ½ cup of diced apples (peeled and cored) along with the cranberries.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a star anise, a few cloves, and a cinnamon stick while simmering for an extra warm and aromatic cranberry sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a recipe yielding approximately 4 servings and using ½ cup of sugar. The nutritional content can vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is a delicious and easy way to elevate your holiday meals or any autumn gathering. Its vibrant color, delightful flavor, and simple preparation make it a perfect addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and best recipes. Enjoy!