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Best Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Cranberry sauce is a quintessential side dish for holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. This homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly easy to make and far superior to any store-bought version. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it a delightful accompaniment to your festive meals.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries about 3 cups
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Prepare Ingredients:
  • Rinse the cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or damaged berries.
  • Zest the orange and squeeze the juice.
  • Combine Ingredients:
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Cook the Sauce:
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer.
  • Simmer Until Thickened:
  • Continue to simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Cool the Sauce:
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Serve or Store:
  • Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. If not serving immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.