This spiced cranberry sauce is a perfect blend of tart and sweet. It’s made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a touch of warm spices that brighten up any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this sauce. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries are a great substitute. They work just as well and make the sauce easy to whip up any time!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the sauce, but if you’re looking for a less sugary option, try using honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the quantity to taste, as they are sweeter than sugar.
Cinnamon Stick & Spices: The cinnamon stick is a must for that warm flavor. If you don’t have star anise or whole cloves, ground spices will work; just use a pinch. I personally love adding a bit of allspice for extra warmth!
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange adds a zesty brightness. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled juice can work. However, fresh is always better for flavor and aroma!
How Can I Make Sure My Cranberry Sauce Turns Out Perfectly Thick?
Getting the right thickness for your cranberry sauce is all about simmering it just right. When the cranberries burst, they release pectin, which thickens the sauce. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat immediately to low. This helps the sauce simmer gently.
- Keep an eye on it; stir regularly to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when most cranberries have burst and it has a nice sauce-like consistency.
- If it’s still too runny, simmer for a few more minutes. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose at first.
Enjoy your festive and delicious cranberry sauce!
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole star anise
- 3 whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful spiced cranberry sauce takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. Plus, it needs time to cool, so set aside about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. Perfect for holiday meals or any gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a sweet base for your sauce.
2. Add the Cranberries:
Now it’s time to bring in the cranberries! Add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the pot. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
3. Add the Spices:
Next, grab a small piece of cheesecloth and tie in the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. This makes it easy to remove the spices later. Place this spice bundle into the saucepan with the cranberries. This will infuse the sauce with delicious warm flavors.
4. Enhance with Orange Zest and Juice:
Stir in the zest and juice from the orange, along with the ground nutmeg and a pinch of salt. These additions will give a lovely brightness to your sauce!
5. Simmer the Mixture:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer uncovered. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove the Spice Bundle:
Carefully take out the spice bundle and discard it. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!
7. Cool the Sauce:
Let the sauce cool down to room temperature; it will thicken a bit more as it cools. This step is important to get that perfect sauce consistency!
8. Store or Serve:
Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl and refrigerate if you’re not serving it right away. You can enjoy this spiced cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your meals.
Enjoy this flavorful and fragrant spiced cranberry sauce alongside roasted meats, stuffing, or as a festive condiment!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a great substitute and work just as well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before use; just add them directly to the pot with the other ingredients!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too sweet or want it less sweet, you can reduce the sugar by up to half without compromising the flavor too much. Alternatively, add a splash of lemon juice for a tart contrast!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about a week! Just give it a stir before serving again.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, then refrigerate. It will taste even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld!
