Title: Classic Cranberry Sauce: A Simple Addition to Your Holiday Feast!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Introduction:
Treat your loved ones to a homemade Classic Cranberry Sauce! This simple yet mouthwatering sauce brings a combination of tangy and sweet flavors to your meal. Perfectly suited for holiday tables, it works as an excellent side dish, jazzing up even the simplest of menus.
Why Make This Recipe:
Creating your own cranberry sauce at home not only guarantees freshness but also offers you the ability to play with flavors. This recipe presents an easy way to incorporate a zest of homemade delight into your holiday meals!
How to Make Classic Cranberry Sauce:
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 strip orange or lemon zest
– 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
1. Rinse the cranberries well under cold water. Discard any bruised ones.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Set the heat to medium and bring the solution to a boil.
3. Now, stir in the cranberries, the strip of zest, and the cinnamon. Stir them well into the boiling sugar-water.
4. Allow it to come to a boil again before reducing the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, during which, stir occasionally to ensure the cranberries are bursting.
5. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool. The sauce will become thicker as it cools down.
How to Serve Classic Cranberry Sauce:
This sauce can be served both chilled, straight out of the fridge, or at room temperature. It makes a delightful partner for roasted turkey, duck, or chicken, and it even pairs well with vegetable dishes.
How to Store Classic Cranberry Sauce:
Keep your homemade cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It generally remains fresh for about 10-14 days. If you wish to use it longer, consider freezing it.
Tips to Make Classic Cranberry Sauce:
– Always rinse the cranberries properly and discard any bruised or bad ones.
– Adjust the sugar level according to your taste. If you prefer a more tangy sauce, decrease the sugar amount.
Variations:
Add a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg to add a depth of flavor to your sauce.
FAQs:
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
– Using fresh or frozen cranberries is ideal for this sauce. Dried cranberries may alter the texture and flavor of the sauce.
2. Can I freeze my cranberry sauce for later use?
– Absolutely! The sauce freezes quite well. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
3. How long does the cranberry sauce last in the fridge?
– Properly stored in an airtight container, cranberry sauce can last for 10-14 days in the refrigerator.