Are you tired of the same old cranberry sauce? This year, elevate your holiday table with this incredibly flavorful and easy cranberry sauce recipe, brimming with crunchy nuts and a touch of warmth. It's the perfect homemade addition to your Thanksgiving feast or Christmas dinner, guaranteed to impress your guests! This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors—a true celebration for your taste buds. It’s also surprisingly quick to make, fitting perfectly into even the busiest holiday schedule. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or to taste, depending on cranberry tartness)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or a mix!)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for added warmth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves (if using).
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Stir in Nuts
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sugar according to your preference. Some cranberries are naturally tarter than others.
- Fresh is best: Using fresh cranberries will give you the brightest flavor and most vibrant color.
- Nut variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Toasted nuts add a lovely extra dimension of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or a dash of orange liqueur for an extra layer of complexity.
- Make it ahead: This cranberry sauce is even better the next day, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
This delicious and easy cranberry sauce recipe is perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday meals. It's a healthy and flavorful alternative to store-bought versions, showcasing the best of homemade cooking. Enjoy!