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- 12 oz fresh cranberries - 1 cup water - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tablespoon orange juice - Pinch of salt Gathering the right ingredients is key. Fresh cranberries give this sauce a bright flavor. Use 12 oz of cranberries. Rinse them well and check for any bad berries. Next, you will need 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. This mix helps the cranberries burst into their sweet, tangy goodness. Herbs add depth. You will want 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped rosemary and thyme. These fresh herbs balance the tart cranberries perfectly. For a citrus kick, zest one orange. You will also use 1 tablespoon of orange juice. The juice brightens the sauce. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Make sure to weigh your ingredients accurately. Quality matters in every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. 2. Look for any bad berries or stems, and remove them. 3. Measure out 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. 4. Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme. 5. Zest one orange and measure 1 tablespoon of orange juice. 6. Gather a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. 2. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. This step is key for a smooth sauce. 3. Add the rinsed cranberries to the saucepan. 4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. 5. Let the cranberries cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally as they burst. 6. When they pop, the sauce will begin to thicken. 7. Next, stir in the chopped rosemary, thyme, orange zest, and orange juice. 8. Add a pinch of salt, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend all the flavors. 1. Remove the saucepan from the heat once done. 2. Let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools. 3. Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or an airtight container. 4. If you want to make it look festive, serve in a decorative bowl. 5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a lovely touch. To prevent burning the sauce, watch the heat closely. Start with medium heat for dissolving sugar. Once you add the cranberries, reduce the heat to low. This helps the sauce simmer gently. A gentle simmer is best. It allows the cranberries to burst without sticking to the bottom of the pan. The ideal simmering temperature is just below boiling. You want small bubbles forming, not a vigorous boil. This keeps the cranberries intact and helps the flavors blend smoothly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Balancing sweetness and acidity in your sauce is key. The sugar adds sweetness, while the cranberries bring tartness. Adding the orange zest and juice gives a bright flavor. If your sauce is too sweet, add a bit more orange juice. This can help bring out that tartness. You can infuse additional herbs or spices for more flavor. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you love a savory twist, consider adding a touch of sage. These small tweaks can elevate your sauce to the next level. Pro Tips Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or a splash of vinegar if you prefer a tangy flavor to cut through the sweetness. Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like sage or mint for a different aromatic profile that complements the cranberries. Thickening Tip: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry for quick thickening. Storage Suggestions: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of cranberry sauce in fun ways. One option is using dried cranberries instead of fresh ones. Dried cranberries offer a sweeter taste. They also add a chewy texture. To use them, soak the dried fruit in warm water or juice for about 15 minutes. This helps them plump up before cooking. Another option is to swap out the herbs for different flavors. Try using sage or mint for a unique twist. These herbs bring their own taste and aroma, making the sauce special. Just remember to adjust the amount based on how strong the flavor is. Cranberry sauce is not just for turkey. You can serve it with many dishes. It pairs well with roasted meats like pork or chicken. The sweet and tangy sauce cuts through rich flavors. It also tastes great with cheese. Try it on a cheese board with creamy brie or sharp cheddar. For a creative serving idea, try using cranberry sauce as a topping for desserts. It works well on vanilla ice cream or yogurt. You can even add it to pancakes for a fruity kick. This sauce adds color and flavor to any meal. To keep your cranberry sauce fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. When stored properly, this sauce lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it sealed. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s hot. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your flavorful sauce anytime! Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make this sauce one or two days before your meal. It tastes great after a day in the fridge. The flavors blend better when it sits. Just store it in an airtight container. Is this sauce suitable for canning? This sauce is not ideal for canning. It has a high sugar level, but low acidity. You should refrigerate it instead. If you want to can sauces, look for recipes made for canning. Can I use frozen cranberries instead? Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. You do not need to thaw them. Just add them straight to your pot. They may take a little longer to cook. What pairs well with rosemary and thyme in this sauce? Orange zest and juice pair perfectly with rosemary and thyme. Their bright flavors blend nicely. You can also add spices like cinnamon or ginger for warmth. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth too. How to adjust the sweetness level for personal preference? You can change the sugar level in this sauce. For less sweetness, cut the sugar by a quarter cup. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar in small amounts. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. This blog post detailed how to make fresh cranberry sauce using simple ingredients. You learned about preparation, cooking, and storing tips. By following the steps, you can create a tasty and versatile dish. Enjoy experimenting with herbs and flavors. Remember, this sauce is great for meals or as a gift. I hope these ideas inspire you to elevate your dining experiences with this delightful recipe!

Cranberry Bliss Sauce with Rosemary & Thyme

A delightful sauce made with fresh cranberries, herbs, and orange zest, perfect for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 unit zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water, removing any stems or bad berries.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
  • Add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Let the cranberries simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they burst and the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in the chopped rosemary, thyme, orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or an airtight container for storing.

Notes

Serve the sauce in a decorative bowl and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top for a festive touch.
Keyword cranberry sauce, holiday, sauce