Cranberry sauce. The quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, right? But what if we told you we could elevate this holiday staple to new heights of deliciousness? Forget the canned stuff! This port wine cranberry sauce recipe is a revelation – a vibrant, tangy, and subtly sweet sauce that's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. It's surprisingly easy to make, transforming a simple ingredient into a sophisticated and memorable addition to your holiday spread. Get ready to impress your guests with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a flavour explosion.
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup port wine (Ruby port is recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste, depending on cranberry tartness)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for a warmer spice note)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making this port wine cranberry sauce is a straightforward process, perfect even for beginner cooks.
Get Started:
- Combine cranberries, port wine, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves (if using) in a medium saucepan.
Simmer to Perfection:
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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, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The sauce should thicken as it cools further.
Cool and Serve:
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Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
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Once cooled, taste and adjust sweetness if needed. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Port Wine Cranberry Sauce Success:
- Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries will result in a far superior flavor and texture compared to frozen.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The sweetness of cranberries can vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can result in a mushy sauce. Keep a close eye on it during simmering.
- Make Ahead: This sauce is even better the next day, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
Variations to Explore:
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these exciting variations:
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a pinch of allspice or nutmeg for a warmer, more complex flavor profile.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
- Orange and Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce: Substitute Grand Marnier for the port wine and reduce the orange juice slightly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to calculate the precise nutritional information using a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving
- Fat: Minimal
- Carbohydrates: Primarily from sugar and cranberries
- Protein: Minimal
This port wine cranberry sauce is a delicious and impressive addition to any holiday meal or special occasion. Its rich flavor and beautiful color will surely make it a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy!