Cranberry Sauce - Many Ways
Adapted from CookieandKate.comThis naturally sweetened cranberry sauce recipe is easy to make and tastes amazing, too. Explore the many uses of cranberry sauce below and enjoy it throughout the winter - not just at Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cranberries 1 bag fresh or 2 1/2 cups frozen
- 2 Tbs. maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 medium orange Zest of 1 medium orange, preferably organic, divided
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries well and drain off excess water. Pick through the cranberries and discard any soft or wrinkled ones.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 10 minutes, until many of the cranberries pop. Using the back of a spoon, crush some cranberries against the sides of the saucepan to create a thick mixture.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of the orange zest (save any extra zest for garnish). Add the cinnamon and stir to combine. Taste and if the mixture is too tart (keeping in mind that cranberry sauce is supposed to be a little tart!), add the optional orange juice.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. It will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 weeks.
Video
Notes
MANY USES:
- Crostini - for an easy and colorful appetizer, slice a small loaf of crusty bread. Brush with a little olive oil and toast in the oven until light brown. Spread toasted bread slices with soft cheese (brie, cream cheese or other), top with cranberry sauce and garnish with a pinch of extra orange zest.
- Sweet Potato Topper - for a delicious sweet-and-tangy side dish, bake a foil-wrapped sweet potato until done (yields to touch). Remove skin and mash with a fork. Top mashed sweet potato with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and optional toasted pecans.
- Breakfast yogurt - add flavor and color to plain yogurt by mixing in a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Top with granola and an additional dollop of cranberry sauce for a simple, nourishing breakfast.
- Dessert parfaits - for a beautiful and tasty treat, layer crushed chocolate cookies, softened vanilla ice cream and cranberry sauce, 2 to 3 times, in a glass. Enjoy immediately. If making in advance, substitute pudding or yogurt for the ice cream and refrigerate. Try using shot glasses for mini parfaits - just as delicious but less filling.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!