## Cherry Cranberry Sauce: A Tart and Sweet Holiday Delight
If you’re looking for a unique, tangy and sweet sauce to highlight your holiday table, look no further! Cherry Cranberry Sauce is a brilliantly easy and tasty twist on the classic cranberry sauce, perfect to serve with your Christmas turkey or as a delightful topping for desserts.
## Why Make This Recipe
The combination of fresh cherries and cranberries creates a refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s a simple way to add a gourmet flair to your traditional holiday dishes. Plus, it takes only 20 minutes to make!
## How to Make Cherry Cranberry Sauce
## Ingredients:
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
## Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, cranberries, and orange juice over medium heat.
2. Stir in the sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Let the mixture come to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. The cranberries should burst and the sauce should become thick.
4. Take off the heat and let cool. Remember that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
5. Serve either warm or cold alongside your favorite holiday dishes.
## How to Serve Cherry Cranberry Sauce
As a versatile side dish, Cherry Cranberry Sauce shines when served with roast turkey or ham. Its sweet-tart flavor complements savory meat beautifully. You can also use it as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
## How to Store Cherry Cranberry Sauce
Store your Cherry Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should retain its freshness for up to a week.
## Tips to Make Cherry Cranberry Sauce
Use fresh fruit if available. However, frozen cherries and cranberries will work just as well in this recipe. Make sure to adjust the sugar according to your taste preference. If your cranberries are particularly tart, you might need more sugar.
## Variation
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor dimension. You could also stir in some chopped pecans for a crunchy contrast.
## FAQs
Q1: Do I need to thaw the frozen fruit before cooking?
No, there’s no need to thaw your frozen fruit for this recipe. Simply add it to the pan as is.
Q2: Can I use other fruit in this sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other berries or fruits. Blueberries or raspberries would be great additions.
Q3: How can I serve this sauce in a non-holiday context?
Serve it with grilled chicken or pork for a sweet-tart twist. It would also be delicious as a topping for pancakes or yogurt.