Gourmet Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry sauce with orange and red wine, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a versatile topping for desserts and ice cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in the orange juice, red wine, and water.
- Bring to a boil and add the sorted, washed, drained cranberries, removing stems if necessary.
- Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes until all skins have popped.
- Remove from heat; cool and refrigerate.
- Serve chilled. Makes about 4 1/2 cups.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract while simmering. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 1 cup. You can also substitute the dry red wine with a non-alcoholic red grape juice for a family-friendly version, maintaining the essence of this gourmet cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This gourmet cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it a perfect side for holiday meals. It can also be served alongside cheeses for a delightful appetizer. Try it with a dollop of Really Good Salad Dressing for a unique salad topping or mix it into yogurt for a refreshing treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will develop further as it sits. If you want to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, or microwave in short bursts until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gourmet Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 186 calories, with 1g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g 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. There's no need to thaw them before cooking. Just add them directly to the boiling mixture and adjust cooking time if necessary, ensuring all skins pop for the best texture.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can cut down the sugar to 1 cup or substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like agave syrup or honey. Taste as you go to find the balance that works for you.
Is it possible to can this cranberry sauce?
Yes, this cranberry sauce can be canned. Ensure you follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars. The acidity from the cranberries and wine helps preserve it, but be sure to process in a water bath for safety.
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).