Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of this maple cranberry sauce. Made with fresh cranberries and sweetened with maple syrup, this sauce offers a delightful contrast of flavors that's sure to enhance your holiday meals. The addition of fresh orange lends a refreshing tang, making this sauce a perfect pairing for hearty main dishes.
The key ingredients for this recipe are cranberries, maple syrup, and a fresh orange. Cranberries and maple syrup can be found in the fruit and syrup sections respectively of most supermarkets. If fresh cranberries aren't readily available, you may find frozen cranberries in the frozen food section. Just make sure to get pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Ingredients for the Maple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries: These are the star of the show, providing a tart contrast to the sweet syrup.
Maple syrup: This natural sweetener lends a distinct, earthy sweetness to the sauce.
Water: Helps in cooking the cranberries and balancing the sweetness.
Fresh orange: This lends a citrusy tang to counterbalance the sweetness of the sauce.
One reader, Charmane Self says:
This maple cranberry sauce recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of sweet and tart, it's a delightful addition to any meal. The maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor, and the fresh orange gives it a zesty kick. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their holiday feast!
Essential Techniques for Making Maple Cranberry Sauce Recipe
How to prepare the cranberry sauce: Combine the cranberries, maple syrup, water, and orange in a medium saucepan, then stir to combine. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reached the desired consistency.
How to adjust sweetness: Taste and add extra maple syrup if needed.
How to serve: Serve the cranberry sauce warm and enjoy!
How To Make Maple Cranberry Sauce
This maple cranberry sauce is the perfect combination of sweet and sour, and is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and made tangy with oranges.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozcranberries,(1 bag), fresh or frozen, rinsed and picked over
- ⅓cupmaple syrup,or more to taste
- ⅓cupwater
- 1fresh orange,about ¼ cup juiced, zested
Instructions
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Combine the cranberries, maple syrup, water, and orange in a medium saucepan, then stir to combine.
-
Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reached the desired consistency.
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Taste and add extra maple syrup if needed.
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Serve this cranberry sauce warm, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Let it cool in the refrigerator until chilled, and then serve it cold.
Nutrition
- Calories: 122.76kcal
- Fat: 0.17g
- Saturated Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.06g
- Carbohydrates: 31.82g
- Fiber: 4.70g
- Sugar: 22.37g
- Protein: 0.65g
- Sodium: 5.64mg
- Calcium: 47.27mg
- Potassium: 187.22mg
- Iron: 0.27mg
- Vitamin A: 6.15µg
- Vitamin C: 28.73mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Maple Cranberry Sauce
To ensure your cranberry sauce has a smooth consistency, you can use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently crush the cranberries during the simmering process. This will help release their natural pectin and enhance the thickening of the sauce. Additionally, grating the orange zest into the sauce before squeezing in the juice can add an extra layer of flavor. Remember to only use the colored part of the rind, as the white pith underneath can be bitter.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Maple Cranberry Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop the cranberries and zest the orange the day before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Instead of chopping the cranberries by hand, use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop them.
Simmer and multitask: While the sauce is simmering, use that time to prepare other dishes or set the table to save time in the kitchen.
Make extra: Double the recipe and store the extra cranberry sauce in the fridge or freezer for future use, saving time on making it again.
Substitute Ingredients For Maple Cranberry Sauce Recipe
cranberries - Substitute with blueberries: Blueberries can provide a similar tartness and sweetness to the dish, while also adding a unique flavor profile.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor similar to maple syrup, while also bringing its own distinct taste to the dish.
orange - Substitute with tangerine: Tangerines have a similar citrusy flavor to oranges and can provide the same tangy brightness to the cranberry sauce.
How to Beautifully Present Maple Cranberry Sauce
Elevate the cranberry sauce with a unique serving vessel: Present the maple cranberry sauce in a delicate, handcrafted ceramic bowl to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with fresh orange zest: Sprinkle a fine dusting of freshly grated orange zest on top of the cranberry sauce to add a burst of citrus aroma and a pop of color.
Incorporate edible flowers for a sophisticated touch: Place a few carefully chosen edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, on the plate to add a visually stunning and gourmet touch to the presentation.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup on top: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a small amount of high-quality maple syrup over the cranberry sauce to enhance the flavor and create an attractive finishing touch.
Serve with a decorative citrus twist: Accompany the cranberry sauce with a beautifully twisted slice of fresh orange, adding a visually appealing and aromatic element to the presentation.
Use a fine dining plating technique: Employ the quenelle technique to shape the cranberry sauce into an elegant, elongated oval, creating a refined and sophisticated presentation on the plate.
Incorporate a touch of gold leaf for a luxurious finish: For an opulent and luxurious presentation, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the cranberry sauce to add a touch of glamour and sophistication.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Maple Cranberry Sauce
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dips, and pastry dough.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients, whether it's for mixing batter, marinating meats, or tossing salads. It comes in various sizes and materials to suit different cooking needs.
Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and for boiling or simmering liquids.
Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is a handy tool for extracting juice from oranges, lemons, and limes. It helps to efficiently squeeze out the juice while keeping the seeds and pulp separate.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is a kitchen staple for stirring, mixing, and tasting. It's gentle on cookware and is great for tasks like stirring sauces and batters.
Fine mesh strainer: A fine mesh strainer is useful for removing any solids or impurities from liquids, such as straining seeds from fruit purees or separating pulp from juice.
Zester or grater: A zester or grater is used to finely grate the zest of citrus fruits, adding bright, flavorful accents to dishes. It can also be used to grate spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking and baking, and measuring cups and spoons help ensure the right proportions of ingredients are used.
Stovetop: The stovetop is an essential cooking appliance for heating and simmering ingredients in pots and pans. It provides precise control over cooking temperatures.
Serving dish: A serving dish is used to present and serve the finished dish, adding an attractive touch to the dining experience.
Storing and Freezing Maple Cranberry Sauce: A Guide
- Let the cranberry sauce cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week.
- To freeze the cranberry sauce, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Leave about ½ inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer. The cranberry sauce will keep for up to 3 months.
- To thaw the frozen cranberry sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can also thaw it in the microwave on the defrost setting, stirring every 30 seconds until it's completely thawed.
- Once thawed, give the cranberry sauce a good stir to redistribute any separated liquid. If it seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or orange juice.
- Reheat the thawed cranberry sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until it's hot.
- Leftover thawed cranberry sauce should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for best quality and flavor. Do not refreeze previously frozen cranberry sauce.
How To Reheat Leftover Maple Cranberry Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to a saucepan and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method allows you to control the consistency of the sauce, as you can add a splash of water or orange juice if it becomes too thick. Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired temperature, then remove it from the heat and serve.
Microwave method: place the leftover cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave the sauce in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it may splatter or become too hot to handle.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat the sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is particularly useful if you're reheating other leftovers simultaneously, as it allows you to reheat multiple dishes at once.
Slow cooker method: if you have a small slow cooker or crockpot, you can use it to reheat your leftover cranberry sauce. Simply transfer the sauce to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is ideal if you want to keep the sauce warm for an extended period, such as during a holiday meal or buffet-style dinner.
Sous vide method: for a more precise and controlled reheating process, consider using a sous vide machine. Transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Submerge the bag in a water bath set to your desired temperature (around 140°F or 60°C) and let it heat for 30-45 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures even heating and prevents the sauce from overcooking or burning.
Interesting Trivia About Maple Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and promote overall health.
Is Making Maple Cranberry Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this maple cranberry sauce recipe is quite high. Cranberries and maple syrup are relatively affordable, and the addition of orange provides a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5-$7. The versatility of this sauce also adds value, as it can be used in various dishes, from meats to desserts. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 9 out of 10 for its affordability, simplicity, and delicious results.
Is Maple Cranberry Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The maple cranberry sauce recipe is relatively healthy compared to traditional cranberry sauce recipes that often use refined sugar. The use of maple syrup as a natural sweetener provides some additional nutrients and antioxidants. Cranberries themselves are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. The inclusion of fresh orange likely adds a boost of vitamin C and natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce. Overall, this recipe is a healthier alternative to conventional cranberry sauce.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup slightly to lower the overall sugar content. You can compensate for the reduced sweetness by adding a pinch of stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Include some freshly grated ginger or a cinnamon stick to the simmering process to add natural flavor and potential health benefits.
- Experiment with using a sugar-free orange juice instead of water to increase the citrus flavor without adding extra sugar.
- For a unique twist and added nutrition, stir in some finely chopped kale or shredded carrots towards the end of the cooking process.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Maple Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This maple cranberry sauce recipe is a delightful twist on the classic cranberry sauce. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet maple syrup, and zesty orange creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural sweetness of the ingredients to shine through, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. The addition of maple syrup adds a rich depth of flavor, elevating the sauce to a new level. Whether served alongside turkey or as a condiment for cheese platters, this maple cranberry sauce is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and beautiful color.
Enhance Your Maple Cranberry Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Maple Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Why trust this Maple Cranberry Sauce Recipe:
This recipe uses cranberries that are packed with antioxidants and maple syrup for natural sweetness. The addition of orange adds a refreshing citrus flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and wholesome cranberry sauce that is perfect for the holiday season. Trust the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to elevate your dining experience.
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