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Easy Cranberry Sauce

Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest and Cinnamon

A simple and delicious cranberry sauce recipe, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering. This recipe uses fresh or frozen cranberries and requires minimal ingredients and time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 Orange zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon Orange zest optional, for extra flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pinch of salt Enhances the flavors

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
  4. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the orange juice.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Add more sugar if desired.
  7. Let the sauce cool completely before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  8. Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the sauce after it has cooled slightly. Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as cloves or allspice, for a unique flavor profile. You can also add a tablespoon of orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier) for an extra layer of flavor.