Dried Cranberry Sauce

Dried cranberry sauce is a delicious and versatile spread that many people enjoy. It captures the sweet and slightly tart flavor of cranberries, making it a unique addition to various meals. This sauce can jazz up your dishes, offering a burst of flavor that excites your taste buds. It is especially popular during holidays but can be enjoyed year-round.

Creating dried cranberry sauce is a simple process. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that enhances any meal. It’s not just tasty but also adds a beautiful color to your table. Once you learn how to make it, you may want to have it with everything!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this dried cranberry sauce for several reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to be a master chef to create a delicious sauce. The ingredients are common, so you might already have most of them in your kitchen.

Second, this sauce is full of flavor. The sweetness from the sugar and orange juice balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly. The cinnamon stick adds a warm, comforting aroma that enhances the overall taste.

Third, it’s a perfect companion for many dishes. Whether you want to use it on turkey, chicken, or even a cheese platter, this sauce works wonderfully. You can also use it in desserts, like spreads for toast or pancakes.

Lastly, dried cranberry sauce is healthy. Cranberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins. This means your sauce is not just delicious, but it also has health benefits.

HOW TO MAKE Dried Cranberry Sauce

Making dried cranberry sauce is a fun and rewarding task. You will need a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. By following these steps, you will have a wonderful sauce to enjoy.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this dried cranberry sauce, you will need the following equipment:

• A medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A spoon for stirring
• A blender or potato masher (optional)
• A serving bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. 1.5 Cups Dried Cranberries
2. 1/4 Cup Sugar
3. 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
4. 3/4 Cup Cranberry Juice
5. 1 Tablespoon Corn Flour / Cornstarch
6. 1/4 Cup Water
7. 1 Cinnamon Stick
8. 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
9. A Pinch of Salt

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine Ingredients: Start by combining all the ingredients, except for the corn flour/cornstarch and water, in a medium saucepan. Make sure you include the dried cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cranberry juice, cinnamon stick, orange zest, and salt.
2. Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan on medium heat. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes. You will notice the cranberries start to plump up during this time. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
3. Mix Corn Flour: While the mixture is cooking, take the corn flour or cornstarch and mix it with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Stir well to avoid any lumps. This mixture is known as a slurry.
4. Add Slurry to Saucy Mixture: Once the cranberries have plumped up, add the corn flour slurry to the saucepan. Mix well, and let it cook for another minute. This will help the mixture thicken and become glossy.
5. Finish It Up: Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick. If you want a smoother sauce, you can mash or blend it to get your desired consistency.

 

 

 

 

HOW TO SERVE Dried Cranberry Sauce

Dried cranberry sauce can be served in many ways. It is perfect on a holiday dinner plate next to turkey or ham. You can also use it as a spread on sandwiches or toast. Another idea is to serve it as a dip with cheese and crackers.

Its sweet and tart flavor adds a refreshing contrast to rich dishes. You can also spoon it over ice cream or yogurt for a tasty dessert. The options are endless, and you can get creative with how you use it!

STORAGE & FREEZING: Dried Cranberry Sauce

Storing your dried cranberry sauce is simple. Once it cools down, pour it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just make sure to store it in a cool place to keep it fresh.

If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it. Pour the sauce into a freezer-friendly container or a zip-lock bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

When serving dried cranberry sauce, consider pairing it with different foods to enhance your meals. Here are some simple suggestions:

1. Meats: Pair the sauce with roasted or grilled chicken, turkey, or pork. The sauce adds a lovely balance to the savory flavors of these meats.
2. Breakfast: Spoon the sauce over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast treat. It can also be a nice addition to yogurt or oatmeal.
3. Cheese Boards: Include dried cranberry sauce as part of a cheese platter. It goes well with creamy cheeses.
4. Salads: Add it to salads as dressing or drizzle it over greens for a unique flavor boost.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you might enjoy:

1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy version.
2. Fruit Mix: Blend in other dried fruits like raisins or apricots. This will give it a different flavor profile.
3. Nutty Flavor: Mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
4. Maple Sweetness: Replace sugar with maple syrup for a different sweetener. This adds depth to the flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

• Yes, fresh cranberries can be used. However, you will need to adjust the sugar and cooking time.

1. How do I make it less sweet?

• You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe according to your taste.

1. Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

• Yes, you can experiment with spices like nutmeg or cloves to add different flavors.

1. Can I use other juices?

• While orange and cranberry juice work best, you can try other juices, like apple juice, for a unique flavor.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Dried Cranberry Sauce

If you want to save time, you can make this sauce ahead of time. Here are some tips:

1. Prepare Early: Make the sauce a few days in advance. It tastes better when it sits for a day or two because the flavors can meld together.
2. Store Properly: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
3. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to prepare even further in advance, freeze it as mentioned earlier.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious dried cranberry sauce without any last-minute hassle! Enjoy making and sharing this tasty, easy recipe with your family and friends!

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