Oh, let me tell you about cranberry sauce! It’s such a versatile gem that brightens up holiday meals like nothing else. Whether you’re slathering it on turkey, mixing it into a festive salad, or simply enjoying it as a sweet-tart treat, this cranberry sauce is a must-have. I remember the first time I made it for Thanksgiving – the kitchen filled with that lovely, tangy aroma as the cranberries burst. My family couldn’t get enough, and it quickly became a holiday tradition! Trust me, once you try making your own cranberry sauce, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff. It’s just that good!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most delightful cranberry sauce! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: These little jewels are the star of the show! Make sure they’re bright and firm, and remove any that look shriveled or mushy.
- 1 cup sugar: This sweetener balances the tanginess of the cranberries. Feel free to adjust this based on your taste—add more for a sweeter sauce or less if you prefer it tangy!
- 1 cup water: This will help dissolve the sugar and create that lovely syrupy base for the cranberries to simmer in.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Just a pinch of this warm spice adds a cozy flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully. You can always add a little more if you’re a cinnamon lover!
With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to whip up a cranberry sauce that will elevate any meal!
How to Prepare Cranberry Sauce
Making your own cranberry sauce is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love the process! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time.
Step 1: Rinse the Cranberries
First things first, let’s give those cranberries a good rinse! Place them in a colander and run them under cold water. This step is super important because it washes away any dirt or debris. Plus, it helps you spot any bad berries—remove any that are shriveled or mushy. We want only the best for our sauce!
Step 2: Prepare the Syrup
Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Stir it together until the sugar dissolves, and then bring the mixture to a boil. This should take just a few minutes. You’ll see it bubbling away, and that’s how you know you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Add Cranberries and Cinnamon
Now it’s time to add our rinsed cranberries and the ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the boiling syrup. Stir everything together, and bring it back to a boil. You’ll notice the cranberries starting to pop—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Simmer the Mixture
Once it’s boiling again, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This is when the cranberries will burst and release their beautiful juices. Keep an eye on it and give it a gentle stir now and then. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce thickens slightly and looks a little glossy. So scrumptious!
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and let your cranberry sauce cool. This step is crucial, as it helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken a bit more. Once it’s at room temperature, you can serve it right away, or transfer it to a container and refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy. Trust me, the flavor only gets better as it sits!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your cranberry sauce turns out perfectly every time! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness. If you like it a bit sweeter, add a touch more sugar—just remember to taste as you go! On the flip side, if you prefer a tangier sauce, you can cut back on the sugar. Also, feel free to experiment with flavors! A splash of orange juice or zest can add a delightful citrus twist, and a pinch of nutmeg can give it a warm, cozy vibe.
When it comes to storage, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’ll be ready to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cranberry sauce recipe is a total game changer for your holiday meals! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a homemade sauce in no time.
- Delicious flavor: The balance of sweet and tart is just perfect, thanks to the fresh cranberries and sugar.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy dinner, this sauce elevates any meal.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can whip it up days in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze!
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste—add spices or citrus for a unique twist!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delicious cranberry sauce (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately 110 calories. You’ll find 22 grams of sugar, which gives it that delightful sweetness, and just 1 milligram of sodium—how great is that? Plus, it has 29 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber to keep things balanced. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so feel free to adjust according to your recipe tweaks. Enjoy every spoonful guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this cranberry sauce is that you can make it ahead of time. In fact, I recommend doing just that! Prepare the sauce a few days before your holiday meal, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will only get better as the flavors meld together!
How long does cranberry sauce last?
This delicious cranberry sauce can last in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you find you have leftovers after your holiday feast, don’t worry—just give it a stir before serving, and it’ll be ready to complement your meals again!
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cranberry sauce is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week—perfect for enjoying those holiday leftovers! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it.
When it comes to reheating, you can warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through. Feel free to add a splash of water if it thickens too much. Enjoy your cranberry sauce warmed or chilled, whichever you prefer!
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Cranberry Sauce: 5 Simple Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tangy and sweet cranberry sauce perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries and cinnamon. Stir and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat and let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry sauce, holiday sauce, Thanksgiving recipe
