Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers, the aroma of roasted turkey fills the air, and we all get a little misty over the memories shared around the dinner table. Now, let’s talk about *thanksgiving cranberries*! I can’t stress enough how easy it is to whip up a homemade cranberry sauce that will have everyone raving. Seriously, it’s a breeze! Just a handful of fresh cranberries, sugar, and a few spices come together to create a vibrant, tangy sauce that perfectly complements your holiday feast. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again! It’s fresh, it’s flavorful, and it’s so satisfying to make. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cranberries
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted to remove any stems or blemished berries
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten the tangy cranberries just right
- 1 cup water, the base for our delicious sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for that warm, comforting spice that makes it feel like Thanksgiving
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Cranberries
Making homemade cranberry sauce is as simple as it gets! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, vibrant sauce ready for your Thanksgiving table in no time.
Rinse the Cranberries
First things first, give those cranberries a good rinse under cold water. This step is super important! It helps remove any impurities and ensures your sauce is clean and fresh. Just toss them in a colander and let the water run over them for a minute or two.
Combine Water and Sugar
Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Place it over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it—this usually takes just a few minutes. You’ll see the sugar dissolve completely, creating a sweet base for your sauce!
Add Cranberries and Cinnamon
Once the sugar-water is bubbling away, it’s time to add your rinsed cranberries and the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir everything together and then reduce the heat to low. This simmering step is key because it allows the cranberries to soften and burst, releasing all their juicy goodness.
Simmer Until Bursting
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll start to hear those lovely little pops as the cranberries burst open! This is when all the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell amazing. Just keep stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened a bit, remove it from the heat. Let it cool down to room temperature, or pop it in the fridge if you’re making it ahead of time. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’s going to be a hit on your holiday table!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Cranberries
To really nail this cranberry sauce, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness. If you like it sweeter, just add a little more sugar during cooking—taste as you go! Another great trick is to add a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a bright, citrusy twist. It really elevates the flavor! And if you’re a fan of spices, you can experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or even some ginger for a unique kick.
Also, this sauce is perfect for making ahead of time. You can whip it up a day or two before Thanksgiving, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’re all set for a stress-free holiday meal!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Cranberries
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients or brands you use, so take these numbers as a guideline rather than gospel. Typically, a serving size of about 1/4 cup contains around 100 calories, 20g of sugar, and negligible fat. It’s a delightful way to add some sweetness to your Thanksgiving feast without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cranberries Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that will elevate your holiday meal.
- Customizable sweetness to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfectly pairs with turkey, ham, or even on a cheese platter.
- A delightful homemade touch that impresses family and friends.
- Can be made ahead of time for a stress-free Thanksgiving.
FAQ About Thanksgiving Cranberries
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using, and you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How can I make this cranberry sauce less sweet? If you prefer a tart sauce, simply reduce the amount of sugar. Start with half a cup and add more if needed after tasting.
Can I substitute other spices? Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile. Just be careful not to overpower the cranberries!
How long will this cranberry sauce last? It’s good for about a week in the fridge, so feel free to make it ahead of time!
Can I can this cranberry sauce? Yes, you can! Just follow proper canning procedures to preserve it safely for longer storage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Thanksgiving Cranberries
To keep your delicious cranberry sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about a week, so feel free to make it ahead of time! I recommend using a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent any odors from affecting the sauce.
If you need to reheat it, simply transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick fix—just give it a stir halfway through to heat evenly. Enjoy your homemade cranberry goodness!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Cranberries: 5 Steps to Perfect Sauce
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 2 cups 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious Thanksgiving cranberry sauce recipe.
Ingrédients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries and cinnamon. Reduce heat and simmer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Adjust sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Add orange zest for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 1mg
- La graisse: 0g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 26g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 0g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving cranberries, cranberry sauce, holiday recipe
