Are you tired of the same old cranberry sauce? This year, elevate your holiday table with a homemade cranberry sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavor and a touch of sophisticated sweetness. This cranberry sauce recipe with maple syrup offers a delightful twist on the traditional, creating a delicious and easy side dish perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. It's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and the results are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience the best cranberry sauce you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup maple syrup (preferably pure maple syrup)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional, but adds a wonderful aroma)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for a deeper spice note)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems.
Cook the Sauce:
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Combine the cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, water, orange zest (if using), cinnamon (if using), and cloves (if using) in a medium saucepan.
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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 for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve:
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to fully develop. This also helps the sauce thicken further.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Fresh Cranberries are Key: While frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the amount of maple syrup by 1-2 tablespoons. You can also add a splash of orange liqueur for an extra zing.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked cranberry sauce can become mushy. Keep a close eye on it while simmering to ensure it reaches the desired consistency.
- Make it Ahead: This cranberry sauce tastes even better the next day (or even a few days later!), so feel free to make it well in advance of your meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine: Substitute 1/4 cup of port wine for some of the orange juice for a richer, more complex flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
This easy cranberry sauce recipe with maple syrup is a delightful addition to any meal, making it a perfect choice for your next gathering. Enjoy!