Teresa'S Holiday Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant and tangy cranberry sauce with a sweet and tart flavor, perfect for holiday tables and pairs beautifully with turkey or roasted meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix sugar and water.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved and bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries 'pop'.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. This cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together. For a vegan twist, substitute the sugar with agave syrup or another sweetener of your choice. Make sure to taste and adjust sweetness as necessary.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce is a delightful accompaniment to turkey or ham at holiday meals. It also pairs beautifully with the Candy Peanut Brittle for a festive dessert spread. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and consider garnishing with orange zest for added color and flavor. It can also be used as a topping for yogurt or ice cream for a refreshing treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Teresa'S Holiday Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 241 calories, with 1g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g 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, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to rinse them under cold water before adding them to the saucepan. There's no need to thaw them beforehand; they will cook down just as well as fresh cranberries.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the sugar to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup, depending on your preference. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to balance the flavors without increasing sweetness.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the cranberry sauce?
Consider adding chopped apples, pears, or nuts for added texture and flavor. A splash of port or red wine can also elevate the sauce, creating a more complex profile that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
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).