Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry sauce makes a Thanksgiving and Christmas table particularly festive! I think making cranberry sauce is easy and it amps up the meal!

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Yield: 8

This fresh cranberry sauce has a nice orange flavor that compliments the turkey.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed from 1 large orange
• Zest from one large orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 12 oz fresh cranberries

Instructions

• Combine sugar, honey, water, orange juice, orange zest, and 1 cinnamon stick.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar and honey
• Add 12 oz cranberries and bring to a boil. Once boiling, adjust the heat to keep it at a low boil and cook for 10 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cranberries will burst, and the sauce will begin to thicken. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken when it cools.
• Remove from heat, discard cinnamon stick, and cool cranberry sauce to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cranberry sauce can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor and a festive touch to your meals. Here are some ideas:

1. Spread on Toast or Bagels: Use cranberry sauce as a spread on your morning toast, bagels, or muffins. It adds a sweet and tart flavor that pairs well with cream cheese or butter.
2. Swirl in Yogurt: Mix cranberry sauce into your yogurt for a fruity and tangy twist. Add some granola or nuts for crunch.
3. Blend into Smoothies: Incorporate cranberry sauce into your smoothies for a burst of flavor. It goes well with other fruits like oranges, apples, or berries.
4. Make a Salad Dressing: Create a homemade salad dressing by combining cranberry sauce with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. This is particularly delicious on salads with mixed greens, goat cheese, and nuts.
5. Serve with Cheese: Pair cranberry sauce with cheese on a charcuterie board. It complements a variety of cheeses, such as brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese.
6. Glaze for Meat: Use cranberry sauce as a glaze for meat, such as ham, chicken, or pork. Brush it on during the last few minutes of roasting or grilling for a flavorful and glossy finish.
7. Stir into Oatmeal or Porridge: Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce to your morning oatmeal or porridge for a seasonal twist. It adds sweetness and a burst of color.
8. Make a BBQ Sauce: Mix cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce to create a unique glaze for grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers. The sweet and tangy combination works well with smoky flavors.
9. Fill Pastries or Tarts: Use cranberry sauce as a filling for pastries, tarts, or hand pies. Combine it with cream cheese or custard for a delightful dessert.
10. Mix into Cocktails: Create festive cocktails by incorporating cranberry sauce. For a seasonal touch, it can be added to drinks like margaritas, martinis, or even non-alcoholic beverages.
11. Dip for Appetizers: Use cranberry sauce as a dip for appetizers like meatballs, spring rolls, or cheese-filled pastry bites.
12. Top Desserts: Spoon cranberry sauce over desserts like cheesecake, ice cream, or panna cotta for a fruity and vibrant topping.

Experiment with these ideas to discover new ways to enjoy cranberry sauce throughout the year, not just during the holiday season!