The holidays wouldn’t be complete without cranberry sauce. What I like so much about this version, is that you can take one recipe and create two distinct sauces without much fuss. The versatility doesn’t stop there…your options for leftover cranberry sauce are endless. Use it as is to top ice cream, toast, pancakes or baked brie, or puree and add to bbq sauce, fruit smoothies or lemonade. You will be impressing your family for days to come! Don’t forget the Buttermilk Herb Brined Turkey and Creamy Mashed Potatoes + Endless Variations!
Tips for this recipe
- This can definitely be made a couple of days in advance to save you some time.
- Make it both ways or split the recipe and make half of each.
- Use any leftover sauce to top ice cream, toast, pancakes or baked brie, or puree and add to bbq sauce, fruit smoothies or lemonade. You will be impressing your family for days to come!
More great recipes you might like
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan – the bomb!
Buttermilk Herb Brined Turkey – juicy and tender
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan Crust – the best of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in one!!
Ultimate Cranberry Sauce
Both versions of this cranberry sauce are fantastic! The addition of red wine gives a distinctively different flavor that is really sophisticated. Consider making it both ways or even splitting the recipe and making half of each.
Ingredients
Base recipe:
- 16 oz cranberries rinsed (approximately 4 cups)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 oranges juiced to equal 3/4 cup (supplement with orange juice if needed)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon zest more for garnish if desired
- pinch of salt
Red Wine Variation:
- omit 1/4 cup water
- add 1/4 port or red wine of your choice
Instructions
- Combine sugar, orange juice, water, orange zest and a pinch of salt in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium low for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally until cranberries pop open. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Garnish with orange zest if desired.
