Cranberry-Raisin Sauce
A tangy, sweet cranberry-raisin sauce infused with orange and warm spices, perfect for holiday ham or pork dishes that need a flavorful, fruity glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Cook and stir until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
- Spoon over ham when serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or cook it longer until it reaches your desired consistency. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar and a touch of molasses. You can also use apple juice instead of orange juice for a different flavor profile. This sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry-raisin sauce is a delightful complement to ham, but it also pairs beautifully with turkey and roasted vegetables. Consider serving it alongside Mom's Candied Yams for a festive touch. For a fresh twist, try it with cream cheese on crackers as an appetizer during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry-raisin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of juice to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Raisin Sauce contains roughly 295 calories, with 1g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1780mg per serving (77% 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 frozen cranberries instead of juice?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Simply thaw them and mash before mixing with the other ingredients. However, you may need to adjust the sugar based on the tartness of the cranberries.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that your brown sugar is vegan, as some brands may use bone char in processing.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness, simply modify the amount of brown sugar. Start with less, taste the sauce as it cooks, and add more if needed. Remember that the sweetness will balance with the tartness of the cranberry juice.
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).