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To make a delightful whole berry cranberry sauce, gather these simple ingredients: - 12 ounces fresh cranberries - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 1 cup sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Pinch of salt These ingredients create a bright and flavorful sauce. The fresh cranberries shine with the sweet and tart orange juice. You can personalize your cranberry sauce with optional additions. Consider adding: - Chopped walnuts for crunch - Pecans for a different nutty taste - Dried fruits like raisins or apricots for sweetness These extras can enhance the flavor and texture. They also add a nice twist to the classic recipe. When choosing fresh cranberries, look for these signs: - Bright, vibrant color - Firm texture without bruises - No soft or wrinkled berries You can also give them a gentle shake. If they bounce, they are fresh. Fresh cranberries are the key to a tasty sauce. Enjoy making your dish with these tips! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, rinse 12 ounces of fresh cranberries under cold water. Toss out any bruised or overripe ones. Place your clean cranberries in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of orange juice and 1 cup of sugar. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor. Stir gently as you heat the mixture on medium. This helps the sugar dissolve well. When the mixture starts to simmer, lower the heat to low. Now, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, the zest of 1 orange, and a pinch of salt. Let this simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll see the cranberries burst, thickening the sauce. If you want a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds a great texture and taste. Once you finish cooking, remove the sauce from the heat. Let it cool for a bit. As it cools, it will thicken even more. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or an airtight container. You can serve it warm or cold, depending on your taste. This cranberry sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey or ham. Enjoy the sweet-tart flavor and the festive touch it brings to your holiday table! When making cranberry sauce, avoid using overripe or bruised berries. Rinse your cranberries well. This step gets rid of dirt and ensures freshness. Don't skip the simmering time, as this helps the cranberries burst. Stir often to prevent sticking and burning. Lastly, taste the sauce before serving. You might want to add more sugar or spices to suit your taste. You can easily change the flavor of your cranberry sauce. Adding spices can elevate your dish. Ground cinnamon and ginger add warmth and depth. If you want a citrus kick, include more orange zest. For a crunchy texture, stir in chopped walnuts during the last five minutes of cooking. You can also try adding apples or pears for a fruity twist. Whole berry cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. Serve it with turkey for a classic holiday meal. It also goes great on ham or roast chicken. For a unique snack, try it on toast with cream cheese. If you love cheese, serve it with a cheese platter. You can even mix it into yogurt for a tasty breakfast treat. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any that are soft or have blemishes. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can reduce the sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a few cloves for an extra layer of warmth in the sauce. Storage Tips: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for holiday prep! {{image_2}} You can mix cranberries with many fruits for new flavors. Apples and pears add sweetness. Pineapple gives a tropical twist. You can also add spices like nutmeg or allspice. These spices can enhance the warmth of the sauce. Try adding a splash of brandy for a festive kick. Each pairing brings something special to the table. If you want to cut sugar, use honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners add a rich flavor. You can also try agave nectar for a milder taste. When you use these options, start with less. Taste the sauce as you go. Each sweetener changes the taste, so find your favorite. This recipe is already vegan! It uses simple, plant-based ingredients. The sugar can be replaced with any vegan sweetener. Just avoid honey to keep it vegan. You can also use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the sauce at your holiday meal! Make sure to let your cranberry sauce cool before storing it. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to one week. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Always label your container with the date for easy tracking. To freeze your sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to six months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. This keeps the flavor and texture nice. Reheating is simple. Just warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir it gently until it’s heated through. You can add a splash of orange juice to refresh the flavor. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or juice to loosen it up. Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about one to two weeks in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using it. If it smells off or looks different, toss it out. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this recipe. Just rinse them under cold water before use. Frozen cranberries may take a bit longer to cook. Keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens. Whole berry sauce has pieces of cranberries and a chunky texture. Jellied sauce is smooth and made by straining cranberries. Whole berry sauce offers more flavor and nutrition. Jellied sauce often has added preservatives and lacks fresh taste. Making whole berry cranberry sauce is simple and fun. We discussed ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and customize flavors. Plus, we explored tasty variations and storage methods. Enjoy this sauce with meals, and share it with friends. Fresh, homemade cranberry sauce brings joy to any table. Get creative with your own twists, and don’t hesitate to experiment. Your efforts will make every holiday meal special.

Cranberry Bliss Sauce

A delightful sauce made with fresh cranberries and orange juice, perfect for holiday meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 orange
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water, discarding any that are bruised or overripe.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar over medium heat.
  • Stir the mixture gently as it begins to heat, allowing the sugar to dissolve.
  • Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and add the ground cinnamon, ground ginger, orange zest, and a pinch of salt.
  • Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst and thicken the sauce.
  • If using, stir in the chopped walnuts during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added crunch and flavor.
  • Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. As it cools, it will thicken further.
  • Transfer the sauce to a serving dish or airtight container. It can be served warm or cold.

Notes

This sauce can be served warm or cold and can be stored in an airtight container.
Keyword cranberry, holiday, sauce