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Easy Make-Ahead Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe

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This easy make-ahead cranberry orange sauce is a grown-up version of a classic holiday side dish. It’s bright, bold, and gets better after a day or two in the fridge, making it perfect for stress-free holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 large orange (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 cup (160 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  1. Zest and juice the orange. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of zest and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of juice.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange zest, maple syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the maple syrup is dissolved and the mixture simmers. Let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the cranberries, orange juice, and cinnamon stick (if using). Stir and increase heat to medium-high, bringing to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the liquid has thickened slightly.
  5. Test for doneness by dipping a spoon in the sauce and running your finger down the back. If the sauce leaves a clear trail that doesn’t immediately fill in, it’s ready. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container. Cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Notes

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Don’t overcook it on the stove. For a smoother texture, use a potato masher to gently break up some cranberries after cooling. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, orange cranberry sauce, make-ahead cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving cranberry sauce, holiday cranberry sauce, easy cranberry sauce

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/easy-make-ahead-cranberry-orange-sauce-recipe/