Cranberry Sauce

My Cranberry Sauce recipe strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, avoiding the overly sugary taste common in many versions. With fresh orange juice, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, it's a delightful accompaniment to any holiday dinner, adding a burst of vibrant flavour.

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Whether you’re a cranberry sauce fan or not, it’s hard to deny the fact that a holiday menu is not complete without it!Something about Cranberry Sauce scares some people away; I suppose it may have something to do with its strong flavour, tartness or sometimes too sweet… Maybe it’s the fact that it often comes out of a can and still has the indentations.. But for me, no holiday meal is truly complete without a spoonful of this vibrant, tangy condiment.

I’ve always felt that many cranberry sauce recipes lean too heavily on the sweet side, so I crafted my own version that maintains the cranberries’ natural tartness, complemented by the ideal amount of flavors that I’m absolutely thrilled about – and I think you will be too! Don’t be skeptical until you try this! I promise you it’s not like the others.

Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Sauce:

  • Frozen Cranberries: Cranberries are a true superfood, especially during the holiday season. These little red gems are packed with antioxidants, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Their natural tartness not only gives the sauce its characteristic zing but also means they are lower in sugar compared to other fruits.
  • Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: The addition of fresh orange juice and zest is like a ray of sunshine in the sauce. This citrusy duo beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries, adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Cinnamon Stick and Nutmeg: Adding cinnamon and nutmeg in this cranberry sauce does wonders for its flavor profile. Cinnamon brings a warm, sweet, and woody note that harmonizes beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries. Its comforting aroma is reminiscent of festive holidays, adding a sense of nostalgia to every bite. Nutmeg, with its slightly nutty and subtly sweet flavor, complements the cinnamon and adds a layer of complexity to the sauce.
  • Cane Sugar: Cane sugar plays a pivotal role in transforming the cranberry sauce from overly tart to pleasantly sweet while maintaining the cranberries’ natural flavor. Unlike regular white sugar, cane sugar imparts a hint of molasses flavor, adding depth and a rustic sweetness to the sauce. This subtle complexity ensures that the sauce is not just sweet but has a rich, nuanced profile that enhances the other ingredients. The use of cane sugar also allows for a more controlled and balanced sweetening, ensuring that the tartness of the cranberries still shines through, creating a delightful interplay of flavors that is both traditional and tantalizing.

The Art of Making Your Cranberry Sauce

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity of flavors and ingredients. Starting with a base of tangy cranberries, the addition of fresh orange juice and zest brings a fresh, zesty quality. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and a single clove weave in a warmth that’s reminiscent of holiday cheer. As for the sweetness, a touch of cane sugar adds just the right amount, ensuring the sauce retains its delightful tartness. Simmering these ingredients together creates a sauce that’s not just a side but a highlight of any holiday meal.

Whether you’re drizzling it over a roasted turkey, spreading it on a warm roll, or pairing it with a cheese platter, this Cranberry Sauce is sure to add a burst of flavor to your holiday feasts.

It’s a recipe that celebrates the joy of the season and the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. So gather your ingredients, and let’s add a spoonful of holiday magic to your table with this wonderfully tart and tasty Cranberry Sauce. Happy holidays and happy cooking! 

TERI ANN CARTY

Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada. 

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Cranberry Sauce

Is any holiday meal complete without cranberry sauce? I really don't believe so. I wanted to keep mine tart as I find most cranberry sauce recipes far too sweet. I am thrilled with how mine turned out and believe you will be too.
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Servings: 3
Author: Teri-Ann Carty
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment

  • pot, stove

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cranberries frozen
  • 2 tbsp orange juice fresh
  • zest of 1/2 orange
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 pinch nutmeg freshly grated
  • 1 clove
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • ⅓-½ cup water
  • ¼ cup cane sugar

Instructions

  • Add everything into a small pot.
  • Stir to incorporate and bring to a bubble.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Notes

You can use any sweetener you prefer. I like cane sugar as it is a little less sweet!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.3mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

2 Responses

  1. Hi Teri Ann! I wish I had more time in my day to make all your recipes! I have made a few and I love them all. Thank you. I have a question regarding cranberries…I have a bag of raw/fresh frozen cranberries in my freezer and I was thinking about making a jam or marmalade. What should I do with the fresh frozen fruit before actually cooking them? Thank you so much for your advise

    1. Hi Anreina, this recipe is a cranberry sauce that you’d have during the holidays, so it’s not quite a jam. If you want to make jam with your cranberries, you’d have to find a recipe for that! I am so glad that you’ve enjoyed all of the recipes you’ve made of mine so far! Thank you for the support!

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