Vibrant Tangy-Sweet Cranberry Sauce (Printable)

A bright, tangy-sweet cranberry condiment ideal for feasts and sandwiches, with hints of orange and cinnamon.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruits

01 - 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

→ Sweeteners

02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar

→ Liquids

03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

→ Flavorings

05 - 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
06 - 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
07 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or bruised.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice.
03 - Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until most cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
05 - Stir in orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Continue simmering for 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool; it will thicken as it cools.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms simple roasted meats into a celebration on your plate that feels like a warm secret just between friends
  • The balance of tart and sweet made this a go-to for quick, impressive holiday sides that never fail to please
02 -
  • If you cook the sauce too long, it can turn too thick and lose that bright punch—timing your simmer is everything
  • Adding a splash of orange juice instead of just water changed the flavor profile entirely; it feels fresh and balanced every time
03 -
  • Use a wooden spoon to gently mash some cranberries mid-simmer for your preferred texture
  • The secret to a silky sauce is stirring frequently but gently to avoid crushing all berries at once

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