Cranberry Sauce With Port
A vibrant cranberry sauce infused with rich port wine and warm spices, perfect as a festive accompaniment for holiday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, heat cranberries, port, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries pop, about 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken as it chills.
- Spoon sauce into a serving bowl; cover and refrigerate until well-chilled, about 3 hours or up to 4 days.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using a port with fruity notes. If you don't have port, a sweet red wine or even apple juice can work as a substitute. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stirring occasionally is key to preventing burning and ensures an even consistency. This sauce can also be used as a glaze for meats.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Sauce with Port pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. It can also complement a cheese platter or be used as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. For added texture, consider serving it alongside a crunchy slaw such as Catfish Cove Slaw.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Sauce With Port contains roughly 362 calories, with 6g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 21g 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 use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. They may release more liquid than fresh cranberries, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is it possible to make this sauce less sweet?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or even omit it entirely if you prefer a tart flavor. The natural sweetness of the port and cranberries will still provide a lovely balance.
How can I adjust the spices to my taste?
Feel free to play with the spices according to your preference. You can increase the cinnamon for warmth or add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. Experimenting with spices like ginger can also add a unique flavor profile.
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).