Get ready to transform your holiday table with Fustinis Spiced Cranberry Sauce - a magical blend of tart cranberries and warm holiday spices that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another cranberry sauce; it's a culinary masterpiece that elevates every bite from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving a burst of festive flavor, this recipe promises to be your new go-to condiment that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and necessary kitchen equipment: a medium saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, zester or grater, wooden spoon, and storage container.
- Thoroughly rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries. Drain completely in a colander.
- Using a citrus zester or fine grater, carefully zest the orange, ensuring you only collect the bright orange outer layer and avoid the bitter white pith.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring until sugar begins to dissolve over medium-high heat.
- Add the rinsed cranberries, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and allspice to the sugar water. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- As cranberries cook, they will begin to pop and break down, creating a natural thickening. Continue cooking for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- When the sauce reaches a thick, jam-like consistency and most cranberries have burst, remove from heat.
- Stir in the fresh orange zest, mixing thoroughly to distribute the bright citrus flavor.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, during which it will continue to thicken.
- Transfer to a clean storage container and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for up to 10 days when properly stored.
Tips
- • Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor and best texture - frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best. • Don't walk away while cooking! Cranberry sauce can quickly go from perfect to burned, so stay close and stir occasionally. • For a smoother sauce, you can gently mash the cranberries with a potato masher or the back of a spoon during cooking. • The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems slightly runny while still hot. • Want to add extra depth? Consider adding a splash of orange liqueur or a pinch of ground ginger for more complexity. • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 10 days. • Pro tip: This sauce isn't just for turkey - try it on roasted chicken, as a glaze for ham, or even as a unique spread on morning toast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
