Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
Special equipment needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Zester
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and discard any that are soft or discolored.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon stick.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove the cinnamon stick and discard.
6. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then low heat to simmer.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 2 cups of cranberry orange sauce, serving 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 100
Total fat: 0g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen cranberries.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Orange juice can be substituted with apple juice or pomegranate juice.
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest or lime zest.
- Cinnamon stick can be substituted with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Variations:
- Add a splash of brandy or rum for a boozy twist.
- Add a dash of ground cloves or nutmeg for extra spice.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Add diced apples or pears for a fruity twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to rinse the cranberries before using them.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before serving to allow it to thicken.
Storage instructions:
Store the cranberry orange sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cranberry orange sauce in a small bowl or ramekin, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of orange.
Garnishes:
- Fresh mint
- Orange slices
- Chopped nuts
Pairings:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Baked ham
- Pork roast
- Grilled salmon
Suggested side dishes:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Green beans with almonds
- Wild rice pilaf
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of orange juice or water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to rinse the cranberries before using them.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 1 week.
Food history:
Cranberry sauce has been a staple of Thanksgiving dinners in America since the 1800s. The addition of orange juice and zest adds a citrusy twist to this classic dish.
Flavor profiles:
Tart, sweet, and citrusy with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cranberry orange sauce as a condiment for roasted meats or as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
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