Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce! But let's be honest, sometimes store-bought just doesn't cut it. This recipe uses McCormick spices to elevate your cranberry sauce from simple to spectacular, making it the perfect complement to your holiday feast. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, offering a homemade touch that will impress your guests. It's a delicious dish, part of a healthy meal plan, and certainly among the best recipes for a quick dinner side.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (McCormick preferred)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (McCormick preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (McCormick preferred)
- Zest of one orange (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and orange zest (if using).
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: 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 until ready to serve. The sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
- Fresh Cranberries are Key: While frozen cranberries work in a pinch, fresh cranberries provide a brighter flavor and better texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as ginger or nutmeg, to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Make it Ahead: This cranberry sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance.
Variations:
- Orange Cranberry Sauce: Increase the orange juice to 3/4 cup for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Cranberry Sauce with Ginger: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a warming twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
This McCormick cranberry sauce recipe is a simple yet elegant addition to your holiday table or any meal needing a delicious and healthy side dish. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's easy to prepare yet tastes extraordinary. Enjoy!