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Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A tangy-sweet fresh cranberry sauce simmered with orange juice, zest, and cinnamon, ready in about 20 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Microplane zester
  • Airtight container (for storing)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Rinse the cranberries and discard any soft ones.
  2. Step 2: Combine the sugar, orange juice, water, cinnamon stick, and salt in a saucepan and stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Add the cranberries and bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Simmer 10 to 12 minutes until most berries pop and the sauce thickens.
  5. Tip: The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
  6. Step 5: Discard the cinnamon stick and stir in the orange zest.
  7. Step 6: Cool, then chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Calories are an estimate per serving (about 3 tablespoons).
Make it up to 10 days ahead to free up time on Thanksgiving Day.