Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 (12 oz) bag of fresh cranberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Special Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester or grater
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
3. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
5. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange zest.
7. Let the sauce 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
- Low heat to simmer the sauce
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of sauce
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 60
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen cranberries.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Orange juice can be substituted with apple juice or pomegranate juice.
Variations:
- Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
- Add a splash of brandy or rum for an adult version of the sauce.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Use a zester or grater to remove the orange zest without getting the bitter white pith.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems too thin while still hot.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the 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 warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of orange.
Garnishes:
- Fresh mint
- Orange slices
- Chopped nuts
- Dried fruit
Pairings:
- Turkey
- Ham
- Roast chicken
- Pork roast
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Stuffing
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too tart, add more sugar to taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of orange juice or water to thin it out.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to rinse the cranberries before using them.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Food History:
- Cranberry sauce has been a traditional Thanksgiving side dish in the United States since the 1800s.
Flavor Profiles:
- Tart
- Sweet
- Citrusy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the sauce warm or cold.
- Use as a condiment for meat or poultry dishes.
- Spread on toast or biscuits.
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