This delightful Orange Cranberry Sauce recipe is perfect for any festive occasion. It's a sweet and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor. Its vibrant color and taste will make it a standout on your dining table. A perfect blend of fresh cranberries and orange juice that you can prepare at home.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and can be easily found in most supermarkets. However, fresh cranberries may be seasonal and are usually stocked up during fall and winter. If fresh ones are not available, frozen cranberries can be used as an alternative.
Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries: A sour fruit that’s loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. They add a nice tangy flavor to the sauce.
Sugar: Balances out the tartness of the cranberries and adds sweetness to the sauce.
Light brown sugar: Has a deep, caramel or toffee-like flavor that adds complexity to the dish.
Orange juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor and liquid needed for the cranberries to cook down and turn into a sauce.
One reader, Fay Benoit says:
This orange cranberry sauce recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. It's incredibly easy to make and pairs wonderfully with turkey. The burst of cranberries and citrusy orange is a delightful addition to any holiday meal. Highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Crafting Orange Cranberry Sauce
How to prepare cranberry sauce: Combine orange juice, sugar, and brown sugar in a pot and bring to a boil. Add cranberries and cook until they start popping and the mixture thickens slightly.
How to serve cranberry sauce: Allow the sauce to cool completely before serving with turkey or other dishes.
How To Make Orange Cranberry Sauce
Our four-ingredient cranberry sauce makes the perfect accompaniment for your tasteful turkeys! Whip this tasty sauce up in just 10 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozcranberries
- ½cupsugar
- ½cuplight brown sugar,packed
- 1cuporange juice
Instructions
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Add the orange juice, sugar and brown sugar to the pot.
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Bring to a boil while stirring well.
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Add in the cranberries, then cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the cranberries start popping and barely starts to thicken.
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Remove from heat, then let cool completely.
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Serve with turkey, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 116.32kcal
- Fat: 0.12g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 29.80g
- Fiber: 2.02g
- Sugar: 25.59g
- Protein: 0.39g
- Sodium: 3.82mg
- Calcium: 14.46mg
- Potassium: 110.45mg
- Iron: 0.24mg
- Vitamin A: 4.38µg
- Vitamin C: 21.16mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Orange Cranberry Sauce
To ensure your cranberry sauce has a smooth texture and the flavors are well combined, make sure to stir the mixture continuously while it's boiling. This will also prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Additionally, using fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice can significantly enhance the flavor of your sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop ingredients and measure out the required amounts in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in a single pot, reducing cleanup time.
Efficient multitasking: Utilize downtime, such as waiting for water to boil, to complete other prep tasks and maximize productivity.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils, saving time during cooking.
Quick fixes: Familiarize yourself with quick and easy recipe substitutions to adapt to ingredient shortages without delaying the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Orange 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.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the cranberry sauce, and it also brings a touch of floral notes.
light brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a rich, caramel-like sweetness and a hint of smokiness, enhancing the flavor of the cranberry sauce.
orange juice - Substitute with apple cider: Apple cider can provide a tangy and fruity flavor similar to orange juice, complementing the cranberries while adding a touch of warmth to the sauce.
How to Beautifully Present This Cranberry Sauce
Elevate the cranberry sauce: Create a beautiful quenelle of the cranberry sauce using two spoons, and place it delicately on the plate to add a touch of elegance.
Garnish with orange zest: Sprinkle a fine dusting of freshly grated orange zest over the cranberry sauce to add a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, around the cranberry sauce to add a visually stunning and delicate touch to the presentation.
Use a unique serving dish: Present the cranberry sauce in a vintage crystal or glass dish to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall visual appeal.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the cranberry sauce to create a stunning visual effect.
Essential Tools for Making Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Pot: A pot is essential for cooking the cranberry sauce on the stovetop. It allows for even heat distribution and easy stirring.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the cranberry sauce as it does not react with acidic ingredients and does not conduct heat, making it comfortable to use.
- Measuring cup: A measuring cup is necessary for accurately measuring the sugar and orange juice, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors in the cranberry sauce.
- Saucepan: A saucepan is used to heat the orange juice, sugar, and brown sugar, and to cook the cranberries, allowing for precise temperature control and even cooking.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce
Let the cranberry sauce cool completely to room temperature before storing. This allows it to thicken and develop its flavors.
Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top for expansion during freezing.
Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
Store the cranberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to 10-14 days. It will thicken further as it chills.
To freeze the sauce, place the airtight container in the freezer. Cranberry sauce can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to use the frozen sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving, as the consistency may have slightly changed after freezing and thawing.
If you prefer a smoother texture after freezing, you can pulse the thawed sauce in a food processor or blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
Frozen and thawed cranberry sauce is best used within 1-2 weeks of thawing for optimal flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Orange Cranberry Sauce
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cranberry sauce to a saucepan and heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and consistency of the sauce, ensuring it doesn't burn or become too thick.
Microwave method: place the cranberry sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the sauce is heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat the sauce, as it can cause it to become too hot and alter its texture.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cranberry sauce to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the oven and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through. This method is ideal if you're already using the oven to reheat other leftovers, as it allows you to reheat multiple dishes at once.
Slow cooker method: transfer the cranberry sauce to a slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the sauce warm throughout a meal, especially if you're serving a large crowd.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to stir the cranberry sauce well before serving to ensure that it's evenly heated and has a smooth consistency. If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of orange juice or water to thin it out.
Interesting Trivia About Orange 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 Orange Cranberry Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
The orange cranberry sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Cranberries are affordable and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The recipe yields a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used in various dishes, making it a worthwhile investment. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, taste, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5, making it a budget-friendly addition to any meal.
Is Orange Cranberry Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cranberry sauce recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content. The combination of white and brown sugars, along with the natural sugars found in the orange juice and cranberries, results in a sauce that is quite high in calories and carbohydrates. Consuming excessive amounts of added sugars can contribute to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:
- Reduce the amount of white and brown sugar by half, allowing the natural sweetness of the orange juice and cranberries to shine through
- Replace some or all of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or date syrup, which offer additional nutrients and a more complex flavor profile
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance the flavor and provide a subtle sweetness without the need for extra sugar
- Incorporate freshly grated orange zest to intensify the orange flavor and reduce the need for additional sweeteners
- Experiment with using a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, to significantly lower the calorie and carbohydrate content while still maintaining a sweet taste
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Cranberry Sauce
This orange cranberry sauce recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The combination of orange juice, sugar, and cranberries creates a vibrant and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey or other roasted meats. The cooking process allows the cranberries to burst and release their juices, resulting in a beautiful texture and rich flavor. The addition of brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note, elevating the overall taste. This sauce is a wonderful addition to any holiday meal, adding a burst of citrusy brightness to the table.
Enhance Your Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Orange Cranberry Sauce
Why trust this Orange Cranberry Sauce Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh cranberries and orange juice, ensuring a burst of natural flavors. The combination of sugar and brown sugar adds a perfect balance of sweetness. The cooking process allows the cranberries to pop, releasing their vibrant color and enhancing the texture. The result is a delightful cranberry sauce that pairs beautifully with turkey or other dishes. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking method make this recipe trustworthy and easy to follow.
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