Spiced Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce

Spiced Orange & Ginger Cranberry Sauce : The Sauce That Will Actually Get Eaten!

Ever find yourself staring at a sad, jellied can of cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving? Honestly, me too! I always thought, "There's GOT to be a better way.

" Well, there is! This recipe is for all of us who deserve a real condiment on our festive table.

It is a vibrant, flavour packed homemade cranberry and orange sauce that will knock your socks off!

What's the Deal with this Cranberry Sauce Recipe ?

This isn't your grandma's (sorry, Grandma!) cranberry sauce . It's a fresh twist on a classic. I wanted something bright, zesty, and just a little bit spicy.

This recipe originated from my desire of having something better that canned cranberry sauce. It has some orange and ginger to make it festive.

This festive cranberry sauce is super easy to make. I swear! It is ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe makes about 6 servings.

Perfect for your family gathering, or even just a cozy night in.

Why You'll Love this Easy Cranberry Sauce from Scratch

Seriously, ditch the can. The vibrant flavor of this cranberry orange sauce homemade comes from fresh cranberries, orange juice, ginger, and a hint of cinnamon and cloves.

It's packed with antioxidants. That is good for you, right? More importantly, this spiced cranberry sauce recipe elevates any meal, from Thanksgiving turkey to a simple baked brie.

What's more special? This best homemade cranberry sauce recipe can be easily a family tradition.

Ready to get cooking? Let's gather our ingredients! You'll need: cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt.

It is everything for a ginger cranberry sauce recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Cranberry Sauce Arsenal

Listen, making the best homemade cranberry sauce recipe isn't rocket science. I promise! You just need a few key bits. Let's break it down. We're making spiced cranberry and orange sauce !

Main Ingredients for Festive Cranberry Sauce

Okay, here's what you need. I swear, it's easy cranberry sauce from scratch .

• 12 ounces (340g) cranberries, fresh or frozen. Look for firm, plump cranberries. They should be a vibrant red color, not dull.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Plain old white sugar is perfect.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water. Tap water is fine.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice. Fresh is best for that zing!
• 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated. This adds such a bright flavour.
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Ginger cranberry sauce recipe is amazing .
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Adds warmth.
• Pinch of ground cloves. Be careful; it's potent!
• Pinch of salt. Balances the sweetness.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Honestly, the spices are where the magic happens. Cinnamon and cloves? Thanksgiving cranberry sauce heaven!

Want a bit of a kick? Add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. For the zest, use a microplane if you want it super fine.

Can’t find fresh ginger? Ground ginger works too, about 1/4 teaspoon. Voila!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need fancy gear for this.

• Medium saucepan. Anything will do, really.
• Wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula. For stirring.
• Grater or Microplane. For zest and ginger.

Don’t have a microplane? A regular grater works. Honestly, for the recipe cranberry sauce you will not have a big challenge making this.

No excuses. Time to create that cranberry orange sauce homemade !

Spiced Orange & Ginger Cranberry Sauce: The Cranberry Sauce That Will Actually Get Eaten!

Honestly, who actually loves cranberry sauce ? It's usually that sad, jiggly thing on the Thanksgiving table, right? Not this year.

We're making a festive cranberry sauce so good, everyone will be asking for seconds. Think bright, tangy, and a little bit spicy.

It is a Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe .

This recipe is easy peasy. It's basically boiling fruit and sugar. If you can stir, you can make this recipe cranberry sauce .

It's way better than that canned stuff. Trust me! You can also prepare a delicious Cranberry Orange Sauce Homemade .

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First, get organized. Rinse 12 ounces of cranberries. I use fresh or frozen cranberries, both options are fine. Measure out 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of orange juice.

Grate some orange zest. You need 1 tablespoon , and 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger. Finally, grab your cinnamon, cloves and salt.

Time saving tip: I like to zest and juice the orange at the same time. Less mess! It means you only need one orange.

Let's Get Cooking: A step-by-step Guide

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. That means cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, zest, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer. This should take 15- 20 minutes . Stir occasionally until cranberries burst and the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. It will thicken even more as it cools. Seriously, it does.
5. Serve at room temperature or chilled. I personally prefer it chilled.

Look for jam-like consistency when simmering. Don't overcook it! Overcooking it make it too thick.

Pro Tips for Easy Cranberry Sauce from Scratch

Want to take your cranberry and orange sauce to the next level? Here's a secret: A pinch of salt. I know it sounds weird in a sweet sauce.

It brings out all the other flavours. Start with a pinch of ground cloves, since it can easily overpower the flavor.

Common mistake: Not tasting as you go. Cranberries vary in tartness. So, adjust the sugar to your liking.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Easy , for those planning ahead, it freezes great! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. The perfect make-ahead option.

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you're ready to dive in and make this best homemade cranberry sauce recipe , right? Here are a few extra things to keep in mind to make sure your cranberry sauce is a total triumph.

Honestly, it's so easy, you'll wonder why you ever bought the canned stuff!

Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!

Presentation matters, you know? Don't just plop that cranberry orange sauce homemade onto the plate. Spoon it into a pretty bowl.

Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a few orange slices. It looks fancy, but takes, like, zero effort.

Think outside the turkey too! This festive cranberry sauce is amazing with baked brie or even spooned over vanilla ice cream.

Pair it with a crisp glass of Prosecco for extra fancy points.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

Leftover cranberry sauce? Lucky you! Pop it into an airtight container and it will keep in the fridge for up to five days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely first.

When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Honestly, it tastes just as good as the day you made it. Don't microwave it; gentle reheating is key.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Want to mix things up? Go for a ginger cranberry sauce recipe by adding more grated ginger or even a pinch of ground ginger.

Want something with a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

If you're watching your sugar, try using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. It gives the sauce a deeper, richer flavor.

Plus, cranberry and orange sauce is super adaptable, so don't be afraid to experiment!

Nutrition Basics: Good For You Too!

Okay, let's be real, thanksgiving cranberry sauce is part of a holiday feast. But cranberries themselves are actually good for you. They're packed with antioxidants and vitamins!

Each serving of this recipe cranberry sauce is about 120 calories, with 30g of carbs and 28g of sugar. Remember, nutrition info is an estimate.

It can vary depending on the sweetness of your fruit.

You got this! Seriously, this easy cranberry sauce from scratch is practically foolproof. Have fun, experiment with the flavours, and get ready for compliments.

This spiced cranberry sauce recipe is about to be a new holiday tradition!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries to make this cranberry sauce recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly fine in this recipe. In fact, you don't even need to thaw them first. Just toss them in the saucepan straight from the freezer. It's like having a secret weapon for holiday cooking, even if you’re doing it all last minute, like when you are invited to a potluck and someone says "bring a cranberry sauce".

My cranberry sauce is too tart! How can I fix it?

No worries, it happens! Cranberries vary in tartness, so a simple adjustment is all you need. Taste the sauce and add a tablespoon of sugar at a time until it reaches your desired sweetness. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!

It's a bit like adding cream to your cuppa, add a splash and see how it goes.

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last, and how should I store it?

Homemade cranberry sauce will keep in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! To freeze, portion it into freezer safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion.

Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving a great option if you are prepping for Christmas way in advance.

Can I make this spiced orange & ginger cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it a day or two in advance actually allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in an even tastier cranberry sauce. Plus, it frees you up on the big day to focus on roasting the turkey, or arguing about Brexit with Uncle Barry.

What can I do with leftover cranberry sauce?

Leftover cranberry sauce is surprisingly versatile! Spread it on leftover turkey sandwiches, swirl it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal, or use it as a topping for baked Brie. You can even mix it into a vinaigrette for a festive salad.

It's a bit like what you do with leftover Christmas ham, there's tons you can do with it!

Is cranberry sauce healthy?

Cranberry sauce does offer some nutritional benefits. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. However, the sugar content can be high, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.

If you're concerned about sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, or simply reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe. Everything in moderation, even cranberry sauce!