Are you tired of the same old canned cranberry sauce? This year, elevate your holiday feast with a homemade cranberry sauce recipe inspired by the culinary expertise of Williams Sonoma. This recipe is surprisingly easy, delivers incredibly vibrant flavor, and adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making it a delicious accompaniment to turkey, ham, or even cheese and crackers. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet stunning cranberry sauce!
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:
Get Started:
- Begin by rinsing your cranberries thoroughly under cold water. This removes any lingering dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Cooking the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes. You'll notice the cranberries starting to pop and the sauce will thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Checking for Doneness:
- The sauce is ready when most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Cooling and Serving:
- 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. You can transfer it to a serving bowl or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Cranberry Sauce Success:
- Fresh Cranberries are Key: Using fresh cranberries makes a world of difference in both flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen cranberries unless absolutely necessary.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry sauce, reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons. Conversely, if you like it sweeter, add a tablespoon or two more.
- Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cloves while simmering.
- Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits! Lime or grapefruit juice can offer unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes about 2 cups of cranberry sauce. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. However, a general approximation per serving (approximately ½ cup) is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Sugar: Approximately 35-40g
Variations:
- Orange-Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger along with the orange zest for a warm and spicy twist.
- Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Add 1 cup of chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to the saucepan along with the cranberries.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves for a warm, aromatic flavor.
This homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful addition to any meal, showcasing fresh, vibrant flavors. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, it's a recipe you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy!