Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Elevate your holiday feast with this delightful Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce recipe. A perfect blend of sweet and tart, this homemade sauce is bursting with fresh cranberries and aromatic spices. It's an essential accompaniment to your festive dishes, adding a vibrant pop of flavor to your Christmas spread.
This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce is not just a side dish, it's a holiday tradition that brightens any table.
A Perfectly Balanced Flavor
This Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce strikes a phenomenal balance between sweet and tart. The fresh cranberries contribute a refreshing tang that pairs beautifully with the added sugar. This sweetness not only enhances the natural flavors of the berries but also complements savory holiday dishes like roasted turkey and ham. With just the right touch of cinnamon and orange zest, each bite is aromatic and flavorful, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy.
The addition of aromatic spices not only adds warmth to the sauce but also elevates the overall flavor profile. With cinnamon bringing a hint of earthy sweetness and orange zest lending a citrusy brightness, this sauce becomes more than just a condiment; it transforms into a gourmet accompaniment. Your guests will appreciate the care and thoughtfulness put into crafting such a deliciously layered flavor experience.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best aspects of this Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce is its simplicity. In just a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch that not only looks stunning but also tastes extraordinary. There’s no need for complex techniques or obscure ingredients—just fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and spices. This makes the recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful holiday addition.
Additionally, the minimal preparation required means you can tackle this recipe quickly, freeing up time for other holiday festivities. Whether you're preparing a grand meal or a simple family gathering, having a homemade cranberry sauce simmering away will fill your home with an inviting aroma, setting the tone for a festive atmosphere.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Make sure to rinse the cranberries before using.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems and imperfections.
Cook the Cranberries
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
Add Cranberries and Spices
Add the cranberries, cinnamon, and orange zest to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cranberries burst.
Cool and Serve
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before serving. It will thicken as it cools.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnished with additional orange zest.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways. While it's a classic pairing with turkey and stuffing, consider using it as a topping for your holiday desserts. A dollop on cheesecake or vanilla ice cream can create an unexpected yet delightful combination of flavors. Its bright color and zesty taste also make it a gorgeous addition to charcuterie boards, where it offers contrast to rich cheeses and meats.
For a refreshing twist, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables. The acidity of the cranberries can balance out the earthy flavors of root vegetables, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors. It's this culinary flexibility that makes cranberry sauce a staple of holiday feasts, ensuring there's something for everyone's palate.
Storage Tips
Knowing how to properly store your Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce can extend its freshness, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers long after the holiday festivities have concluded. After the sauce has cooled, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks, and the flavors will continue to meld and develop over time.
If you wish to prepare this cranberry sauce ahead of time, it also freezes beautifully. Simply place the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and give it a good stir before serving. This way, you can have a homemade taste ready for impromptu gatherings or unexpected guests throughout the season.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this cranberry sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What can I serve this sauce with?
It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even as a topping for desserts.
Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
Elevate your holiday feast with this delightful Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce recipe. A perfect blend of sweet and tart, this homemade sauce is bursting with fresh cranberries and aromatic spices. It's an essential accompaniment to your festive dishes, adding a vibrant pop of flavor to your Christmas spread.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 cups
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Tasty Christmas Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
How-To Steps
Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems and imperfections.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
Add the cranberries, cinnamon, and orange zest to the saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cranberries burst.
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before serving. It will thicken as it cools.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 0g