Cranberry Orange Sauce
A cozy, easy-to-make cranberry orange sauce that brings bright flavors to your holiday meals. Adjust sweetness and tartness to your preference.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces Fresh cranberries About 1 bag
- 1 large Orange Zest and juice needed
- 1/2 cup Sugar Adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavors
Optional Ingredients
- to taste Cinnamon or cloves For warm spice flavor
- to taste Honey or maple syrup For sweetness variation
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the cranberries and pick out any squishy ones.
- In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, water, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt.
Cooking
- Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, then lower to a steady simmer.
- Stir occasionally. After a few minutes, the cranberries will start popping. Keep simmering for about 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and most berries have burst.
- Taste the sauce. If too tart, add a little more sugar, one spoon at a time. If too sweet, add a squeeze more orange juice.
- Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool. It thickens more as it cools.
- For a smoother sauce, mash it with a spoon while it is still warm.
Notes
The sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.