Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh or frozen cranberries | 12 oz bag | |
| Sugar | 1 cup | |
| Water | 1 cup | |
| Orange zest, cinnamon stick, or orange juice | As desired | Optional flavoring |
Cooking Principles
- Cranberries burst naturally: As the cranberries cook, they pop and release pectin, which thickens the sauce without any thickener needed.
- Sauce thickens as it cools: The sauce will appear thin while hot — it firms up significantly once cooled.
Sauce
Holiday
15 min
Prep Time
22 min
Cook Time
10 servings
Yield
Cooking Steps
- Rinse the cranberries: Rinse under cold water and discard any that are soft or spoiled.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Add any optional flavorings now if using.
- Cook the sauce: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer until thickened: Continue to simmer for about 10–15 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Mash with the back of a spoon for a smoother texture if desired.
- Cool and serve: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Refrigerate until ready to serve.