Get ready to transform your holiday feast with this mouthwatering "Christmas Cranberries Mom and Aunt Claire" recipe that has been passed down through generations! This isn't just another cranberry sauce - it's a magical blend of sweet, tangy, and festive flavors that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Imagine a vibrant, glossy sauce bursting with fresh cranberries, bright citrus notes, and a hint of warm cinnamon that perfectly captures the essence of holiday comfort and nostalgia.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bag fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cool running water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring until sugar completely dissolves over medium heat.
- Zest the entire orange, carefully removing only the outer colored part of the peel, avoiding the white pith.
- Juice the orange, collecting all the fresh citrus liquid.
- Add fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon stick to the sugar syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low-medium and simmer uncovered.
- Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, watching as cranberries begin to burst and create a thick sauce.
- Remove from heat when cranberries have mostly burst and sauce has thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- Discard the cinnamon stick and allow the cranberry sauce to cool at room temperature.
- Transfer to a serving dish or storage container, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- • Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best texture and flavor • Don't walk away while cooking - watch for the magical moment when cranberries start to burst • Gently stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking • For a smoother sauce, you can use a potato masher to break down cranberries • The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't overcook • Make ahead of time - this sauce tastes even better after a day in the refrigerator • For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla or a pinch of ground cloves
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 96kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
