Are you tired of the same old canned cranberry sauce? This year, elevate your Thanksgiving (or any holiday!) table with a homemade cranberry sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Inspired by the beloved Pioneer Woman's style, this recipe delivers a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet cranberry sauce that's perfect alongside roast turkey, ham, or even as a delicious topping for yogurt and oatmeal. This recipe is a testament to how simple homemade cooking can be, offering a delicious alternative to store-bought options. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 orange, zested (about 1 tablespoon zest)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, and salt.
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Bring to a Boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Simmer & Burst: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently during simmering to avoid burning.
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Cool & 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 a serving bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce tastes even better the next day!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Sauce:
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Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen cranberries unless absolutely necessary; they can result in a slightly mushy sauce.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust to your liking.
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Zest it Up: The orange zest adds a beautiful bright citrus note. Don't skip it!
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Make it Ahead: This cranberry sauce is best made a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Delicious Variations:
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Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, or a pinch of ground ginger while simmering for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
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Orange & Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Increase the orange juice to 3/4 cup and add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger along with the zest.
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Cranberry Sauce with Pomegranate Seeds: Stir in 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds during the last few minutes of simmering for a beautiful jewel-toned sauce with an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 38g
- Sugar: Approximately 35g
This easy cranberry sauce recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that can be prepared quickly. It’s a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving feast or a delightful treat any time of year. So ditch the canned stuff and try this homemade version – you won't regret it! Enjoy!