Forget everything you know about store-bought cranberry sauce! This family recipe is about to revolutionize your holiday table with a burst of tangy, sweet, and aromatic cranberry goodness that will have your guests begging for the recipe. My Mom's Cranberry Sauce isn't just a side dish – it's a culinary tradition that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary memories, bringing the warmth of home cooking to your plate with every spoonful.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cool running water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely over medium-high heat.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the sugar syrup and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reducing heat to medium-low.
- Stir in the orange zest and ground cinnamon, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Allow the cranberries to simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to burst and the sauce starts to thicken. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat when the cranberries have mostly burst and the sauce has reached a jam-like consistency.
- Let the cranberry sauce cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, during which it will continue to thicken.
- Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce will set further as it chills.
Tips
- • Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor and best texture – frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best. • Don't walk away while cooking! Keep an eye on the sauce and stir occasionally to prevent burning. • The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems slightly runny when hot. • For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur or a handful of chopped nuts. • Make this sauce ahead of time – it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. • Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to prevent scratching your saucepan while stirring. • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can gently mash the cranberries or use an immersion blender for a more uniform consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
