Are you looking for a delicious and easy cranberry sauce recipe that's perfect for your holiday table? This Cranberry Sauce with Splenda recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, offering a sweet and tangy flavor with a touch of reduced sugar. It's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This homemade cranberry sauce is a far cry from the canned stuff, boasting vibrant color, fresh flavor, and a delightful texture. Get ready to elevate your holiday meal with this healthy and delicious side dish!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup Splenda granulated sweetener (or to taste – adjust based on your preferred sweetness level)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, Splenda, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
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Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent 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 burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
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Remove Cinnamon Stick: Remove the cinnamon stick and discard.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness with additional Splenda if needed. Remember that the sauce will slightly sweeten as it cools.
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Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken even more. The cranberry sauce is best served chilled, but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
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Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries will give you the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen cranberries unless you’re short on time – be sure to thaw them completely before using.
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Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: The amount of Splenda can be adjusted to your preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
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Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger, nutmeg, or allspice to create your own unique flavor profile.
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Make it Ahead: This cranberry sauce can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations:
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Orange-Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger along with the orange zest for a spicy twist.
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Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Add 1 cup of diced apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well) along with the cranberries.
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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 crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary slightly depending on the exact amount of Splenda used. These figures are an estimate based on the recipe above using 1 cup of Splenda. For precise nutritional information, use a nutritional calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g
- Sugar: Variable, depending on Splenda used and other added ingredients. Will be significantly less than traditional cranberry sauces.
This easy cranberry sauce with Splenda is a delightful addition to any holiday meal or even a simple weeknight dinner. Its vibrant color, tangy sweetness, and ease of preparation make it a perfect recipe for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. Enjoy!