Oh, cranberry sauce! It’s such a vibrant part of my holiday table. Growing up, I remember the tangy smell wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the warmth of roasting turkey. This simple cranberry sauce recipe is my go-to every Thanksgiving, and trust me, it’s a game changer. Not only is it quick and easy to whip up, but it also adds that perfect pop of flavor to your meals. It’s like a burst of festive cheer in every bite! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this homemade cranberry sauce will elevate your dish and impress your guests. Let’s dive into this deliciously tart and sweet creation!
Ingredients List
- 12 oz fresh cranberries: You’ll want to select bright, plump cranberries. Rinse them under cold water to remove any debris.
- 1 cup sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Feel free to adjust this to your taste!
- 1 cup water: This will help to dissolve the sugar and create a lovely syrup for the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A pinch of warm spice to elevate the flavor. It’s optional, but I think it adds a cozy touch!
How to Prepare Cranberry Sauce
Making cranberry sauce is so simple and satisfying! I love how quickly everything comes together, and the smell as it simmers is just heavenly. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. This step is crucial! You want them clean and ready to shine in your sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Stir it gently and bring it to a boil over medium heat. It’s like creating a sweet potion!
- Once the mixture is boiling, add the rinsed cranberries and the cinnamon. Give it a little stir to mix everything together. The cranberries will start to pop open as they cook!
- Now, let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. That burst of cranberry goodness is just around the corner!
- When the cranberries are all burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a bit—patience is key here!
- Finally, transfer the sauce to a serving dish and pop it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can make it a day ahead, too, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday prep!
Nutritional Information
This homemade cranberry sauce is not just delicious, but also comes with some pretty straightforward nutritional benefits! In a typical serving size of 1/4 cup, you can expect around 100 calories, with 20g of sugar and 26g of carbohydrates. It’s a delightful way to add flavor to your meals without too much guilt. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your own preferences and ingredient choices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a breeze to whip up even on the busiest holiday days!
- Fresh and Flavorful: The vibrant flavor of fresh cranberries shines through, creating that perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the sweetness or add fun twists, like citrus zest or spices, to make it your own!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day in advance, so you can focus on other dishes on the big day—what a time-saver!
- Impressive Side Dish: Serving homemade cranberry sauce adds a personal touch to your meal, impressing family and friends alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Not just for Thanksgiving—this sauce complements so many dishes, from roast meats to cheese boards!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure you create the perfect cranberry sauce every time! First, don’t skip rinsing the cranberries; it’s essential to get rid of any stems or debris that might affect the flavor. If you find the sauce too tart, just add a little more sugar—taste as you go! You can also experiment with the simmering time; a longer cook time will yield a thicker sauce, while a shorter one keeps it chunkier, which I love!
Also, if your sauce ends up too thick, don’t panic! Just stir in a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency. Lastly, remember to let it cool completely before refrigerating—this helps the flavors deepen and meld together beautifully. Happy cooking!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to put your own twist on this cranberry sauce! One of my favorites is adding a bit of orange zest to brighten up the flavor—just a teaspoon can make a world of difference! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a pinch of ginger or nutmeg for a warm spice kick. You can even swap out some of the water for apple juice for a fruity twist! And for those who love a touch of heat, try adding a few slices of jalapeño during the simmering process. Get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your homemade cranberry sauce is super easy! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. I love making it ahead of time, so I can focus on other dishes on the big day. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce for up to two months—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat unless you prefer it warm; it’s delightful either way!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities with homemade cranberry sauce are endless! It pairs beautifully with the traditional roasted turkey, adding that perfect tangy contrast to the savory flavors. But don’t stop there—try it alongside glazed ham or even pork chops for a delightful mix of sweet and savory. It’s also fantastic on a cheese board, where its bright flavor can complement creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar. And for a unique twist, spread some on a turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving—trust me, it’s a game changer! Enjoy exploring these delicious pairings!
Drucken
Cranberry Sauce: 5 Ways to Brighten Your Holiday Feast
- Gesamtzeit: 25 minutes
- Ertrag: 2 cups 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and tangy cranberry sauce recipe.
Zutaten
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Anweisungen
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cranberries and cinnamon.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Add orange zest for extra flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1/4 cup
- Kalorien: 100
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 1mg
- Fett: 0g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 26g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: cranberry sauce, homemade, Thanksgiving, easy recipe
