Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving: the *thanksgiving cranberries*! This sweet and tangy cranberry sauce is not just a side dish; it’s the star of the show! I mean, who can resist that burst of flavor that perfectly balances the savory dishes on your table? It’s super easy to whip up and can even be made a day in advance, which means more time to enjoy with family. Trust me, once you try this simple recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated Thanksgiving without it. Let’s dive into making this delicious cranberry sauce!
Ingredients List
- 12 oz fresh cranberries: Look for vibrant, firm berries without blemishes. These are the stars of our sauce!
- 1 cup sugar: This will sweeten the sauce just right, balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
- 1 cup water: This helps dissolve the sugar and creates the perfect base for our sauce.
- 1 orange: You’ll need both the zest and juice. The citrusy brightness elevates the flavor, making it irresistibly fresh!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cranberries
Preparing these *thanksgiving cranberries* is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step! First off, make sure to rinse those fresh cranberries under cold water. This helps get rid of any residue and ensures they’re nice and clean. Now, grab a medium saucepan and combine the sugar, water, and orange juice. Bring this delightful mixture to a boil over medium heat. As it bubbles and starts to dissolve the sugar, you’ll notice that sweet aroma filling your kitchen—oh, it’s heavenly!
Once you’ve got a rolling boil, it’s time to add the cranberries and that zesty orange zest. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll hear some popping sounds as the cranberries burst, releasing their beautiful flavor. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t overcook! Afterward, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool down for a bit. Finally, transfer your cranberry sauce to a serving dish and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. And there you go, a homemade cranberry sauce that will steal the spotlight!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and the juice of 1 orange over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Add the 12 oz of cranberries and the zest of 1 orange, stirring well.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until the cranberries burst.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, enhancing your Thanksgiving feast.
- Made with fresh ingredients for a vibrant, homemade touch.
- Can be prepared a day ahead, saving you time on the big day.
- Versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes!
Tips for Success
To make the perfect *thanksgiving cranberries*, here are my top tips! First, taste your cranberries before adding all the sugar; some batches can be sweeter or more tart than others, so adjust the sugar to your liking. If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg while it simmers—trust me, it adds a warm, cozy vibe! Also, let the sauce cool completely before refrigerating; this helps it thicken nicely. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some chopped apples or raisins for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving size of 1/4 cup of these delightful *thanksgiving cranberries*: approximately 100 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 20g sugar. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used. Enjoy your yummy sauce guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make *thanksgiving cranberries* ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What if I want a smoother sauce? If you prefer a smoother texture, just blend the sauce after it cools down, and it’ll be velvety smooth!
Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and rinse them well before cooking.
How long will the cranberry sauce last in the fridge? It should keep well for about a week in an airtight container. Enjoy it with leftovers!
Can I add other fruits to this recipe? Definitely! Apples or pears make fantastic additions for a fun twist on the classic flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious *thanksgiving cranberries* is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, so you can enjoy that sweet and tangy goodness with your turkey sandwiches or even on pancakes! If you want to freeze it, you can do that too—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat unless you prefer it warm; it’s delightful either way! Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’re all set!
Serving Suggestions
These *thanksgiving cranberries* are a fantastic complement to your holiday spread! Serve them alongside roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, or savory stuffing for a delightful contrast. They also pair beautifully with a cheese platter or can be drizzled over warm brie for a festive appetizer. Enjoy the burst of flavor they bring to your table!
Print
Thanksgiving Cranberries: 5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and tangy cranberry sauce perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and orange juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cranberries and orange zest.
- Cook until the cranberries burst, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust sugar to taste based on your preference.
- Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cranberries, cranberry sauce, holiday recipe
