Description

Looking for a cranberry sauce that satisfies both cooked sauce and raw relish fans? Perfect Cranberry Sauce strikes the ideal balance with its sweet-tangy flavor, combining burst cranberries with whole ones for a fresh, vibrant texture

Ingredients

Scale

Perfect Cranberry Sauce uses minimal ingredients for a bold, festive result. Here’s what you’ll need for 6-8 servings:

12-ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries: The tart, vibrant base.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances tartness.
1 strip orange or lemon zest: Adds bright, citrusy depth.
2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve sugar and start cooking.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for subtle seasoning.
Additional sugar: To taste, for adjusting sweetness.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Cranberries: Provide tartness and texture, with whole berries adding a fresh bite.
Sugar: Balances the cranberries’ natural tartness.
Citrus Zest: Enhances flavor with a zesty, aromatic note.
Salt and Pepper: Subtly elevate the flavor profile.

Substitutions and Variations

Cranberries: Use frozen if fresh aren’t available; no need to thaw.
Sugar: Swap with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (use ¾ cup and adjust to taste).
Citrus Zest: Replace with 1 teaspoon orange or lemon juice, or use lime zest for a twist.
Water: Substitute with orange juice or apple cider for extra flavor.
Vegan Option: Naturally vegan; use agave or maple syrup for strict vegan diets.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Flavor Variations:
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
- Boozy Cranberry Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons bourbon or Grand Marnier after cooking.
- Ginger Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger during cooking.
- Berry-Mixed Cranberry Sauce: Mix in ½ cup raspberries or blueberries with the reserved cranberries.
- Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 12-ounce bag cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 strip orange or lemon zest, 2 tablespoons water, salt, pepper, additional sugar if needed.
Empty the cranberries into a medium saucepan and transfer ½ cup to a small bowl for reserving.
Prepare 1 strip of orange or lemon zest (about 2 inches long, avoiding the white pith).

Tip: Rinse fresh cranberries and remove any stems or soft berries; frozen cranberries can be used directly.

Step 2: Cook the Base

To the saucepan with 1 ½ cups cranberries, add 1 cup sugar, 1 strip citrus zest, and 2 tablespoons water.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and cranberries soften, about 10 minutes.
Increase heat to medium and cook until the cranberries burst, about 12 minutes.

Tip: Stir gently to avoid crushing cranberries too early; watch for a thick, jam-like consistency.

Step 3: Add Reserved Cranberries

Reduce heat to low and stir in the reserved ½ cup cranberries.
Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste (start with a pinch of each).
Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm the whole cranberries through.

Tip: Taste carefully and adjust sweetness or seasoning; the reserved cranberries should remain whole for texture.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before serving.
Serve as a side, about ¼ cup per serving, or store for later use.

Tip: Cooling enhances flavor; serve at room temperature or chilled for best taste