Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe to add a touch of autumn magic to your table? Look no further! This cranberry apple sauce recipe is the perfect side dish for any occasion, from Thanksgiving feasts to cozy weeknight dinners. It's bursting with the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and apples, making it a delicious and healthy addition to your meal. Forget store-bought – this homemade version is surprisingly simple to make and tastes infinitely better! This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, proving homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
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Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, chopped apples, water, sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
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Bring to a boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Simmer until thickened: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The longer you simmer, the thicker the sauce will become.
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Cool and serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry apple sauce cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or cold.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother sauce: Use an immersion blender or transfer the cooked sauce to a regular blender to achieve a smoother consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. You might need more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of your apples.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for a warm and spicy twist.
- Citrus zest: A little orange or lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Make it ahead: This cranberry apple sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's even better the next day!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Fiber: Approximately 4-6g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-35g
This easy and delicious cranberry apple sauce is a fantastic example of simple, healthy, and flavorful homemade cooking. Perfect as a side dish, topping for yogurt or ice cream, or even as a filling for baked goods, it’s a versatile recipe you'll want to keep handy throughout the fall and winter months. Enjoy!