Easy Cranberry Sauce
1 + cups Easy Cranberry Sauce: This Thanksgiving, ditch the canned cranberry sauce and impress your guests with this incredibly easy homemade version! With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you can create a vibrant and flavorful cranberry sauce that will elevate your holiday feast. This recipe is... Read more ... perfect for beginners and allows for customization with spices like cinnamon and star anise. So grab a saucepan and get ready to enjoy the taste of homemade goodness! Read less x saved Tom the Chef Founder November 4, 2024 20 min.20 min.1/5 20 min. 20 min. 1/5 Ingredients: 12 OZ of cranberries - fresh or frozen – no defrosting necessary before cooking¾ cup of water¾ cups of granulated sugarOptionally: 1 stick of cinnamonOptionally: 1 whole anise starOptionally: 1 Zest from 1 lemon 12 OZ of cranberries - fresh or frozen – no defrosting necessary before cooking ¾ cup of water ¾ cups of granulated sugar Optionally: 1 stick of cinnamon Optionally: 1 whole anise star Optionally: 1 Zest from 1 lemon Tools: 1x Measuring Cups1x Measuring Spoons1x Medium Sauce Pan or Small Pot (4QT)1x Wooden Spoon or High-Temperature Silicone Spatula1x Immersion Blender (optionally) 1x Measuring Cups 1x Measuring Spoons 1x Medium Sauce Pan or Small Pot (4QT) 1x Wooden Spoon or High-Temperature Silicone Spatula 1x Immersion Blender (optionally) Directions: 1. Simmering: Easy Cranberry Sauce starts by simmering cranberries with other ingredients. 1.1. Place a medium saucepan on medium-high heat and add: 12 OZ of fresh or frozen cranberries ¾ cup of water ¾ cup of granulated sugar Optional: 1 stick of cinnamon Optional: 1 star of anise Optional: Zest from 1 lemon Bring to a simmer (about 195°F) with occasional stirring. 1.2. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst, the sauce thickens, and the water evaporates (usually about 15–20 minutes). Important: If the water evaporates too quickly (before the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens), consider lowering the heat and adding more water. 1.3. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise (if used). 1.4. Optionally process with an immersion blender (while still cooking) until partially or smooth (especially if you are cooking the sauce for a while and the cranberries are soft but haven’t burst enough). 1.5. Taste and add more sugar if needed. 2. Serving Easy Cranberry Sauce: 2.1. Serve hot or let it cool completely before serving. 2.2. It can be refrigerated for up to a few weeks. The Cranberry Sauce Chronicles: A Thanksgiving Tale of Tart Triumph Read more Buckle up, dear readers, for we are about to embark on a culinary odyssey of epic proportions, a journey that will redefine your relationship with the humble cranberry and forever alter your Thanksgiving table. Forget the jiggly, gelatinous blobs of cranberry sauce past. This year, we’re diving headfirst into a homemade cranberry sauce adventure, a saga filled with tantalizing flavors, historical intrigue, and a touch of Thanksgiving magic. A Berry Born in the Bog: The Cranberry’s North American Heritage Our story begins in the bogs and wetlands of North America, where the cranberry, a tart and tenacious little berry, has thrived for centuries. Long before European settlers arrived, indigenous peoples recognized the cranberry’s value, not only as a food source but also for its medicinal properties and vibrant crimson hue. They used cranberries to treat wounds, dye fabrics, and preserve meat, demonstrating a deep understanding of this versatile berry’s potential. The cranberry’s resilience in the face of harsh conditions mirrors the spirit of the early Americans who embraced it as a symbol of survival and resourcefulness. Its tart flavor, a welcome contrast to the rich and savory dishes of the Thanksgiving feast, became a cherished part of the holiday tradition. The Canned Cranberry Conspiracy: A Culinary Revolt For generations, canned cranberry sauce has reigned supreme on Thanksgiving tables, a convenient shortcut in the whirlwind of holiday preparations. But let’s be honest, that quivering, cylindrical mass, with its predictable sweetness and homogenous texture, leaves much to be desired. It’s time to break free from the tyranny of the can and reclaim the cranberry’s rightful place as a culinary star. Our recipe, a beacon of hope in a sea of canned conformity, is a testament to the power of homemade goodness. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a dash of culinary courage, we’ll create a cranberry sauce that will have your guests singing your praises (and maybe even sneaking an extra spoonful when no one’s looking). The Cranberry Crusade: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Glory Step 1: The Cranberry Convocation Ingredient Assembly: Our journey begins with 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to defrost, these little berries are ready for action!). Gather ¾ cup of water and ¾ cup of granulated sugar, the foundational elements of our cranberry transformation. For those seeking an extra layer of complexity, consider inviting a cinnamon stick, a star anise, and the zest of a lemon to the party. Simmering Symphony: Place a medium saucepan on the stovetop and set the heat to medium-high. Introduce the cranberries, water, sugar, and optional spices to the pan, stirring gently as the mixture heats up. The cranberries, like tiny culinary time bombs, will begin to burst, releasing their vibrant juices and filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. The Temperature Tango: Once the mixture reaches a simmer, a gentle bubbling that signals the start of our cranberry metamorphosis, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, as the cranberries continue their burst-tastic performance. The sauce will thicken, the water will gradually evaporate, and the flavors will meld into a harmonious whole. This enchanting process should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep a watchful eye on the sauce, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent any scorching mishaps. Ingredient Assembly: Our journey begins with 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to defrost, these little berries are ready for action!). Gather ¾ cup of water and ¾ cup of granulated sugar, the foundational elements of our cranberry transformation. For those seeking an extra layer of complexity, consider inviting a cinnamon stick, a star anise, and the zest of a lemon to the party. Simmering Symphony: Place a medium saucepan on the stovetop and set the heat to medium-high. Introduce the cranberries, water, sugar, and optional spices to the pan, stirring gently as the mixture heats up. The cranberries, like tiny culinary time bombs, will begin to burst, releasing their vibrant juices and filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. The Temperature Tango: Once the mixture reaches a simmer, a gentle bubbling that signals the start of our cranberry metamorphosis, reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, as the cranberries continue their burst-tastic performance. The sauce will thicken, the water will gradually evaporate, and the flavors will meld into a harmonious whole. This enchanting process should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep a watchful eye on the sauce, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent any scorching mishaps. Step 2: Blending and Balancing Act Spice Extraction: If you opted for the aromatic embrace of cinnamon and star anise, bid them farewell before proceeding to the next stage. The Blending Ballet (Optional): For those who prefer a smoother, more refined cranberry sauce experience, an immersion blender is your weapon of choice. Wield it with grace, partially or completely blending the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. This is particularly helpful if your cranberries, despite their valiant efforts, haven’t fully surrendered to the simmering process. Sweetness Serenade: Now comes the moment of truth, the taste test that will determine the fate of your cranberry creation. Sample a spoonful, savoring the tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the sugar. If necessary, add more sugar, a pinch at a time, until the flavors harmonize in perfect balance. Spice Extraction: If you opted for the aromatic embrace of cinnamon and star anise, bid them farewell before proceeding to the next stage. The Blending Ballet (Optional): For those who prefer a smoother, more refined cranberry sauce experience, an immersion blender is your weapon of choice. Wield it with grace, partially or completely blending the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. This is particularly helpful if your cranberries, despite their valiant efforts, haven’t fully surrendered to the simmering process. Sweetness Serenade: Now comes the moment of truth, the taste test that will determine the fate of your cranberry creation. Sample a spoonful, savoring the tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the sugar. If necessary, add more sugar, a pinch at a time, until the flavors harmonize in perfect balance. Step 3: Serving and Savoring the Spoils Hot or Cold Conundrum: The beauty of homemade cranberry sauce lies in its versatility. Serve it hot, a warm and comforting companion to your Thanksgiving feast, or chilled, a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and savory dishes. The choice is yours! Refrigeration Rendezvous: Fear not, for any leftover cranberry sauce can be safely tucked away in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. This versatile condiment transcends the Thanksgiving table, adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, yogurt, and even desserts. Hot or Cold Conundrum: The beauty of homemade cranberry sauce lies in its versatility. Serve it hot, a warm and comforting companion to your Thanksgiving feast, or chilled, a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and savory dishes. The choice is yours! Refrigeration Rendezvous: Fear not, for any leftover cranberry sauce can be safely tucked away in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks. This versatile condiment transcends the Thanksgiving table, adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, yogurt, and even desserts. Beyond the Basics: Cranberry Sauce Creativity Unleashed Flavor Fantasia: Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the traditional! Embrace your inner culinary artist and experiment with different flavors. Orange zest, ginger, and even a pinch of chili flakes can add unexpected depth and complexity to your cranberry masterpiece. Texture Time Travel: For a cranberry sauce with a more rustic, textured appeal, reduce the blending time or skip it altogether. Embrace the chunks, the bursts of cranberry goodness that add a delightful surprise to every bite. Presentation Panache: Elevate your cranberry sauce from simple side dish to culinary showstopper with a touch of presentation flair. Choose a beautiful bowl or dish, and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, or a sprig of rosemary for an elegant touch. Flavor Fantasia: Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the traditional! Embrace your inner culinary artist and experiment with different flavors. Orange zest, ginger, and even a pinch of chili flakes can add unexpected depth and complexity to your cranberry masterpiece. Texture Time Travel: For a cranberry sauce with a more rustic, textured appeal, reduce the blending time or skip it altogether. Embrace the chunks, the bursts of cranberry goodness that add a delightful surprise to every bite. Presentation Panache: Elevate your cranberry sauce from simple side dish to culinary showstopper with a touch of presentation flair. Choose a beautiful bowl or dish, and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, or a sprig of rosemary for an elegant touch. With this easy recipe and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll craft a cranberry sauce that will steal the show at your Thanksgiving feast. So ditch the can, embrace the homemade, and embark on a cranberry sauce adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for more. Happy cooking! Read less About the Author: Tom the ChefFounder # 1 120 Followers Published Recipes: 268Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USAMember since: 2023-02-02 Published Recipes: 268 Av. Recipe Evaluation: Location: Iowa, USA Member since: 2023-02-02 Disclaimer All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions. 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