Forget everything you know about boring, store-bought cranberry sauces! This homemade Craisins Cranberry Sauce is about to revolutionize your holiday table and elevate your culinary game. With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time, you'll create a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're looking to impress at Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a delicious condiment, this cranberry sauce is your ultimate game-changer.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and necessary kitchen tools: medium saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon, and a storage container.
- Place dried cranberries, water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon into the medium saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low once it starts bubbling.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, allowing the dried cranberries to rehydrate and the sauce to thicken. This process typically takes about 12-15 minutes.
- Check the consistency by using the back of a spoon - the sauce should coat the spoon and have a slightly syrupy texture.
- Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool for 5-10 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer the sauce to a clean storage container and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover and refrigerate. The sauce can be stored for up to 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, condiment, or dessert topping.
Tips
- Use high-quality dried cranberries for the most intense flavor.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow is the key to developing rich flavors.
- Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if needed.
- For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of orange zest or a pinch of ground cloves.
- Allow the sauce to cool completely before refrigerating to achieve the ideal thickness.
- This sauce can be made up to a week in advance, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For a smoother consistency, you can briefly pulse the cooled sauce in a food processor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
