Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange

Cranberry sauce: it's a staple for a holiday feast, mandatory for a Thanksgiving spread, and frankly, an under appreciated gem of a dish. Having been raised eating homemade cranberry sauce, I could never understand why I knew so many people who didn't care for cranberry sauce. Then, when I was 20 or so, I tried canned cranberry sauce for the first time and it all started to make sense.

Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with canned cranberry sauce, but the homemade version can really be something special. You can adjust the sugar to your liking, you can add spices or other flavors to jazz it up, and the color and texture are just lovely.


With the exception of one Thanksgiving where my mom made some sort of cranberry jell-o that had celery in it (she maintains it was delicious, I maintain it was gross. I think I was 3, and I think I cried when I ate it), I've been a devoted cranberry sauce fan since a young age. And this recipe, well, this one is my family's tried and true. It's got a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the additions of orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar make it really something special. Here's how to make it!

Cranberry Sauce with Orange- Makes about 2 1/2 cups worth

Ingredients:

- 3/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (from about half an orange)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1/2 tsp orange zest
1. Begin by combining the water, orange juice, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a medium sized sauce pan.

2. Bring to a boil over medium to medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Add the cranberries to the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and most of the cranberries have popped. (Did you know cranberries are hollow? It's pretty cool! They actually bounce, which my cats couldn't get enough of when I dropped a few!)
4. Remove the cranberry sauce from the stove, add the orange zest, and stir to combine.

5. Let cool, then serve!

It may not be as simple as opening a can, but this homemade cranberry sauce with orange is worth the extra bit of effort. In less than 20 minutes, you can make a delicious, memorable cranberry sauce worthy of any feast!

I hope you enjoy it!


Til next time!


-Becca

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25 comments:

  1. You know, I've never eaten cranberry sauce, I don't think. Lots of people eat it with their Christmas dinner in England but it's never been a staple in my family. I think, since it'll be mine and S' first Christmas together, I might just sample some cranberry sauce with our dinner ^_^ It looks delicious!

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    1. Oh, I do hope you try it! It's really tasty! Definitely a bit bitter, but delicious!

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  2. Wwwwaaahhhh, I'm drooling! It's very rare that I've gotten to eat real cranberry sauce. My family always ate the canned cranberry cylinder, haha! But I finally got to try it last year at my boyfriend's house for Christmas dinner and ohhhh my gosh! There's no comparison! I'll be making this for sure if I end up staying in Pennsylvania for the holiday!

    Elyse @ Cuddly as a Cactus

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    1. Haha, thanks, Elyse! I hope you get a chance to make it!

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  3. mmmmm delish! I'm so so so pumped for thanksgiving!

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  4. These cranberries look so yummy and festive! I have actually no idea what cranberries taste like (shame on me, ehem). Oh, if we would celebrate Thanksgiving here in Belgium, I would be so excited! I hope you have a nice holiday!

    Sofie x
    Little green Sofie

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    1. Thanks, Sofie! They taste, well, not so great on their own, since they're pretty tart and a bit bitter, but once you cook them up like this they are super tasty! Well, I hope the rest of your week is lovely, even without the holiday!

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  5. Love all your photos, they are styled so cool!

    This post has made me feel all christmassy inside! xx

    Hips Like Cinderella

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm glad this got you into the holiday spirit!

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  6. This is a great recipe! After eating nothing but canned cranberry sauce, I think maybe it's time to move on to something special!

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    1. Thank you! You should definitely give it a try!

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  7. Replies
    1. Haha, that happens to me every time I see a food post!

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  8. I do not like cranberry sauce at all, never have, but my husband will love me if I make this for him!

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  9. It might not be as simple as a can but it sure looks way more delicious!
    Missy
    www.myconcretecatwalk.com

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  10. Mmm... sounds delicious! AND looks delicious!!
    Happy Thanksgiving! :-)

    Isabelle @ Head Red + Blondi

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    1. Thanks Isabelle! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!

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  11. I love cranberrys ! and cranberry sauce, so wintery and all ! looks amazing,

    alex xx

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  12. Yum, this cranberry sauce looks AMAZING! This year my boyfriend and I made the sauce and it turned out so yummy!

    Xo, Hannah

    sweetsweetnoir.net

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    1. Thanks, Hannah! Isn't it so worth it to make it yourself? Delicious!

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