California Raisin Sauce
A sweet and tangy raisin sauce with orange and jelly flavors, perfect for glazing baked ham or adding a fruity touch to meats and desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse raisins; add water, jelly, orange rind, and orange juice, then bring to a boil.
- Blend sugar with cornstarch, salt, and allspice; stir into the orange mixture.
- Cook, stirring, until the sauce becomes clear and thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark raisins or adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot or all-purpose flour, but adjust the quantity accordingly. For sweetness, swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, especially if you prefer a more natural sweetener. This sauce can also be made with dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
California Raisin Sauce is excellent drizzled over grilled meats like chicken or pork, making it a superb accompaniment to Barbecued Kielbasa. It can also be served with pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat. For a refreshing drink, pair it with Maria'S Pineapple Punch for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover California Raisin Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps maintain its smooth consistency without losing flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Raisin Sauce contains roughly 228 calories, with 2g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of jelly for this recipe?
Absolutely! While currant or grape jelly works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like raspberry or apricot jelly. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, adding a different twist to the sauce.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, the California Raisin Sauce is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the jelly you choose is also vegan-friendly, as some brands may use gelatin. You can find plenty of vegan jellies available in stores.
How can I thicken the sauce if it doesn't seem to be thickening?
If the sauce isn't thickening as expected, you can create a slurry by mixing an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then gradually stir it into the sauce while it's simmering. Continue to cook until it reaches your desired thickness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).