Imagine a cranberry sauce so irresistibly delicious that it transforms your holiday table from ordinary to extraordinary. This Maple Spiced Cranberry Sauce isn't just another side dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the rich, warm sweetness of maple syrup and a hint of aromatic spices. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a condiment that will have your guests asking for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the ingredients until well mixed.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan and place over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the cranberries to simmer, continuing to stir intermittently.
- As the cranberries cook, they will begin to burst and release their natural pectin, creating a thickening sauce. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Gently zest the orange directly into the simmering sauce, stirring to incorporate the citrusy flavor.
- Continue cooking until the sauce reaches a desired consistency - it should coat the back of a spoon and have a slightly jellied texture.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or storage container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cranberries: Always select plump, firm cranberries with a deep red color for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't Rush the Cooking Process: Let the cranberries simmer and burst naturally to develop their full flavor and achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Zest Carefully: When adding orange zest, use only the bright orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Thickness Test: The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear trail when you run your finger through it.
- Make Ahead: This sauce actually tastes better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
