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The right ingredients make all the difference in a great spiced cranberry sauce. Here’s what you need: - 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Pinch of salt Using fresh cranberries gives the best flavor, but frozen works too. Orange juice adds brightness. The sugars balance the tartness of the cranberries. Each spice brings warmth and depth. The zest of the orange brightens it all up. If you want a nutty crunch, add walnuts. A pinch of salt enhances all these flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start Heating the Mixture Begin by combining the cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently until the sugars dissolve and it starts bubbling. - Simmering the Cranberries Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. As it cooks, the cranberries will pop and break down. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken. - Reducing Heat and Stirring Keep an eye on the sauce. Stir it frequently to prevent sticking. The bubbling will slow down, and the sauce will become thicker. - Incorporating Spices When the cranberries have burst, it’s time to add flavor. Mix in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Stir well to blend the spices throughout the sauce. - Adding Orange Zest Zest one orange and add it to the pot. This adds a bright, fresh flavor. Stir to combine the zest evenly into the sauce. - Stirring in Walnuts (if using) If you like nuts, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This gives a nice crunch and nutty taste. - Reducing Temperature Once the sauce is thickened and the cranberries are fully cooked, remove the pan from heat. This stops the cooking process and keeps the flavor fresh. - Cooling Process Let the sauce cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken even more. This makes it perfect for serving later. - Transferring to Container Finally, transfer the cooled cranberry sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to enjoy it. To get the best texture in your spiced cranberry sauce, you should know when to take it off the heat. You want to remove it when the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. Keep stirring to help it along. If the sauce seems too runny, do not worry. It will thicken more as it cools. If you want to thicken your sauce more quickly, consider these tips: - Cook it longer on low heat. - Add a bit more sugar, as it helps with thickness. - Use a spoon to mash some of the berries as you stir. To make your sauce even more tasty, think about adding extra spices. You can try: - A pinch of ground ginger for warmth. - A bit of allspice for a sweet kick. Adjusting the sweetness is also easy. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. If you like it tangy, use less sugar. Remember, taste as you go! Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. It’s great with turkey, pork, or even on a cheese platter. You can add it to a sandwich for a burst of flavor. For a pretty presentation, serve the sauce in a nice bowl. Sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top if you used them. You can also add a bit of orange zest for color. This makes it look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor. It enhances the zesty profile of the cranberry sauce. Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the sauce while it cooks and adjust the sugar levels to your preference, depending on the tartness of the cranberries. Storage Tips: Allow the sauce to cool completely before refrigerating. It will thicken even more as it chills, making it easier to serve. Serving Suggestions: This cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, or try it on a turkey sandwich for a delicious twist. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your spiced cranberry sauce by adding ginger or allspice. Both spices give a warm kick. Just add about a teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice when you mix in the other spices. This small change can make your sauce unique and exciting. You can also try different citrus juices. While orange juice gives a nice zesty flavor, using lemon or lime juice adds a bright twist. Just replace some or all of the orange juice with your chosen juice. This change can balance the sweetness well. If you want a sugar-free option, try using sugar substitutes. Stevia or erythritol works well. These options keep the sauce sweet without raising blood sugar. Just use them in the same amount as your sugar. For those with nut allergies, skip the walnuts. The sauce tastes great without them. You can also add seeds for crunch. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can be good choices. They add texture and flavor without nuts. How long does spiced cranberry sauce last in the fridge? You can keep your spiced cranberry sauce in the fridge for up to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. What are the best practices for storing? Always let the sauce cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid condensation inside the container. Label the container with the date you made it. How do I freeze successfully? To freeze spiced cranberry sauce, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. What are the thawing and reheating tips? Thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight before use. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. This keeps the texture nice and smooth. How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? You can adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or using less. Start with small amounts. Taste as you go. If it’s too sweet, add a bit of lemon juice to balance it. Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh or frozen? You can use canned cranberries, but the texture might be different. Canned versions often have added sugar. Fresh or frozen provide better flavor and texture. What can I serve with spiced cranberry sauce? Spiced cranberry sauce pairs well with turkey, pork, and chicken. It’s also great on toast or as a topping for yogurt. Feel free to get creative! How long does homemade cranberry sauce last? Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best freshness. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make spiced cranberry sauce a few days before serving. It tastes even better after the flavors blend. Just store it in the fridge until ready to use. This blog post covered the key steps to make a perfect spiced cranberry sauce. We discussed ingredients like fresh cranberries, spices, and helpful tips for flavor and texture. You learned how to store and freeze your sauce as well. In conclusion, making your own spiced cranberry sauce is easy and rewarding. Try different spices and flavors to make it your own. Enjoy the burst of taste it brings to your meals!

Zesty Spiced Cranberry Sauce

A flavorful cranberry sauce with a hint of orange and spices, perfect for holiday meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 zest of 1 orange
  • 1 4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to simmer.
  • Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will start to pop and break down.
  • Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and orange zest to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the flavors.
  • If using walnuts, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Once the sauce has thickened and the cranberries have burst, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Keyword cranberry sauce, holiday recipe, sauce