Cooked Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry sauce infused with oranges and apples, perfect for holiday tables or festive gatherings, offering a balanced burst of fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add water to cranberries and apples in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Cook until the fruit is soft, then pass through a food mill to create a smooth mixture.
- Add sugar to the mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool to your desired temperature.
- Grate the orange rind and extract the juice from the oranges.
- Add the orange rind and juice to the cooled mixture and stir well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure to pass the mixture through a food mill thoroughly. If cranberries are unavailable, you can substitute them with frozen cranberries or even a mix of other tart berries. Adjust sugar to taste, as the sweetness can vary depending on the apples used. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, which pairs beautifully with the flavors of this sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce is a delightful accompaniment to roasted meats, particularly turkey or chicken, during festive meals. It also pairs wonderfully with desserts like vanilla ice cream or pancakes. For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a light salad like Glazed Almond Salad, which balances the richness of holiday dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cooked Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 508 calories, with 3g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 reduce the sugar in the cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste. Start with half the amount and adjust as you go, tasting frequently until you achieve your desired sweetness. Remember, the tartness of cranberries can be prominent, so finding the right balance is key.
Is it necessary to use both oranges and their zest?
Using both the juice and zest of the oranges enhances the flavor profile significantly. The zest adds a refreshing citrus aroma, while the juice provides acidity. However, if you prefer less citrus flavor, you can omit the zest and just use the juice.
Can I use other fruits in this sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or cherries for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose. Combining different fruits can create a unique and delicious variation of this classic sauce.
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).