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When making whole berry cranberry sauce with pecans, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 12 oz fresh cranberries - 1 cup water - 1 cup sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup orange juice - Pinch of salt - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped Each ingredient plays a role in creating a balance of flavors. The cranberries give a tart kick. Sugar adds sweetness, while the orange juice brightens it up. The cinnamon brings warmth, and the pecans add a nice crunch. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store. The fresh cranberries create a vibrant color. Using whole berries makes the sauce feel festive, especially for holidays. The pecans not only enhance the taste but also add texture. This dish is a delightful treat that pairs well with many meals. Feel free to adjust the sugar or spices based on your taste. This recipe is flexible and welcoming to your personal touch. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients and preparing a dish that brings joy to your table. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Step 1: Combine cranberries and water Start by taking a medium saucepan. Place 12 ounces of fresh cranberries in it. Add 1 cup of water. This step sets the base for your sauce. - Step 2: Boil and simmer the mixture Turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat. Let it simmer. Stir the mixture occasionally. This helps the cranberries burst and release their flavor. - Step 3: Add sugar and flavorings After about 5 minutes of simmering, add 1 cup of sugar. Then, include 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Add a pinch of salt, too. Stir it all well. This step enhances the taste of your sauce. - Step 4: Cool and incorporate pecans Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/4 cup of orange juice. This adds a nice crunch and a zesty flavor. - Total cooking time: 30 minutes - Breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cooking duration: 20 minutes To get the right thickness for your cranberry sauce, simmer it for 10 to 15 minutes. This time allows the cranberries to burst and release their juices. Stir the mixture as it simmers. This helps the sugar dissolve fully. If the sugar does not dissolve, your sauce may turn out grainy. A smooth sauce is key for the best texture. To make your sauce pop, you can add spices. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice works wonders. You can also grate some orange or lemon zest for a fresh twist. Adjust the sweetness by tasting the sauce as you go. If it’s too sweet, add a little more orange juice. Remember, the flavors will blend as the sauce cools. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can work, but they may alter the consistency of the sauce. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar amount based on your taste preferences. Depending on the tartness of the cranberries, you might want more or less sugar. Toast the Pecans: For added depth of flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce. Make Ahead: This sauce can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together even more! {{image_2}} You can switch pecans for other nuts. Walnuts work well with their rich flavor. They add a nice crunch too. Almonds are great if you want a milder taste. Slice them or chop them for best results. Add some fun to your sauce with different flavors. Try orange juice or lemon juice for a fresh twist. Citrus juices brighten the taste and make it zesty. You can also play with spices. Nutmeg adds warmth, while ginger gives a spicy kick. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Need to make it sugar-free? Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. This keeps the sauce sweet without the sugar. If you have nut allergies, swap nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds still give a nice crunch and flavor. To keep your cranberry sauce fresh, store it in a clean, airtight container. This method helps keep moisture out and preserves flavor. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about two weeks. If you want to save it for longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for this. Make sure to leave some space for the sauce to expand. For the best taste, eat your sauce within two weeks when stored in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to six months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or notice an off smell, throw it away. A change in color may also mean it's time to discard the sauce. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They will work just fine. Just remember to thaw them first. This helps them cook evenly in the sauce. How do I make this sauce less sweet? To make the sauce less sweet, reduce the sugar. You can start with 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup. You can also add more orange juice for a zesty flavor. What dishes pair well with cranberry sauce? Cranberry sauce pairs well with turkey and ham. It also goes great with roast chicken or pork. You can even serve it with cheese and crackers for a snack. Can I prepare this sauce in advance? Yes, you can prepare this sauce ahead of time. Make it a day or two before your meal. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Is it safe to can homemade cranberry sauce? Canning homemade cranberry sauce is possible, but it requires special care. You should follow safe canning practices. This ensures your sauce stays safe to eat later. You learned how to make a tasty cranberry sauce with simple steps. The right mix of ingredients gives you a flavorful dish. By using different nuts or spices, you can make it your own. Storing it well ensures it lasts. Always check for freshness. Enjoy this sauce with your meals and get creative! Your kitchen will become a fun place with this easy recipe.

Cranberry Pecan Delight

A delightful sauce made with fresh cranberries, pecans, and a hint of orange juice, perfect for holiday meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup pecans, chopped
  • 0.25 cup orange juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  • Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for approximately 5-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped pecans and orange juice for a zesty twist.
  • Allow the sauce to cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools.
  • Serve it chilled or at room temperature, as a delightful accompaniment to your holiday meals.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Keyword cranberry, dessert, holiday, pecan, sauce