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To make this delicious cranberry sauce with brown sugar and vanilla, gather these ingredients: - 12 oz fresh cranberries - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup water - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of one orange - A pinch of cinnamon - Salt to taste (optional) You can switch some ingredients if needed. Use white sugar instead of brown sugar. It will still taste sweet but with a different flavor. If you lack fresh cranberries, frozen ones work too. Just make sure to thaw them first. For a different twist, try maple syrup instead of brown sugar. It adds a nice depth of flavor. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh cranberries burst with flavor and color. They create a bright, tangy sauce. Fresh orange zest adds a unique aroma and taste. It brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness. Fresh ingredients also help keep the sauce healthy and vibrant. Always choose the best quality for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing 12 ounces of fresh cranberries under cold water. Look for any that are moldy or damaged. Discard those bad ones. Rinsing helps to clean the berries and ensures a fresh taste. This step is simple but very important. In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. This will take just a few minutes. Next, add the cleaned cranberries to the saucepan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. You will see the cranberries start to burst. This is when the sauce begins to thicken. When it thickens, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, the zest of one orange, and a pinch of cinnamon. This mix adds a wonderful flavor. Taste your sauce and add a small pinch of salt only if needed. The salt can enhance the sweetness. After cooking, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool. It will thicken more as it cools. Once cool, transfer the sauce to a glass bowl or jar. Cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. For a lovely presentation, serve the cranberry sauce in a glass bowl. This will show off its rich color. Garnish with a few whole cranberries or an orange slice. This adds an elegant touch to your dish. Bitter flavors can sneak into your cranberry sauce. To avoid this, use fresh cranberries. Old or damaged berries can bring out bitterness. Always check for mold or soft spots when you rinse them. If your sauce tastes a bit bitter, a pinch of salt can help. It balances flavors and makes the sauce taste better. Adding spices can lift your cranberry sauce. Try a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You can also add cloves for a rich, warm flavor. Experiment with small amounts to find what you like best. Each spice brings a new twist. Just remember to balance the spices with the sweetness of the brown sugar. For a thick sauce, simmer it long enough. Let the cranberries burst and release their juices. If your sauce is too thin, keep cooking until it thickens. You can also mash some cranberries with a fork to help it along. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender. Just blend it briefly to keep some texture. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always choose fresh, plump cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can also be used, but they may result in a slightly different consistency. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences. If you like a tart sauce, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Enhance Flavor: Consider adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger to give your sauce a unique twist. These can complement the sweetness beautifully! Storage Tips: Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a great make-ahead option! {{image_2}} You can switch up the brown sugar in this recipe. Try using maple syrup or honey for a unique flavor. Both options bring a rich sweetness while keeping it natural. If you want less sugar, consider using agave syrup. Just remember, the taste will change slightly. Each sweetener adds its own twist to the sauce. Adding fruit can make your cranberry sauce even more special. Try mixing in diced apples or pears for a sweet crunch. You can also add fresh or dried fruits like cherries or blueberries. This will give your sauce more texture and flavor. For a tropical flair, consider adding crushed pineapple. It pairs well with the tart cranberries. Spices can really enhance your cranberry sauce. A pinch of nutmeg or clove adds warmth and depth. You can also try adding ginger for a bit of zing. If you love a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice levels to your taste. Each spice brings out different notes in the sauce, making it exciting. After enjoying your cranberry sauce, you might have some leftovers. To store them, let the sauce cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about one week. Keep it covered to avoid absorbing any other smells from the fridge. If you want to save your cranberry sauce for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last up to six months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your cranberry sauce, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw first. You can heat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it. Heat until warm, then serve. Enjoy the delightful flavors again! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this recipe. Just remember, do not thaw them first. They will release extra water while cooking. This can make the sauce a bit thinner. You may need to cook it a little longer to thicken up. Homemade cranberry sauce lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. It will stay good for up to six months in the freezer. Cranberry sauce pairs well with many dishes. It is a classic side for turkey and ham. You can also serve it with roast chicken or pork. It adds a nice sweet and tangy flavor. Try it on a cheese board too! It goes well with creamy cheeses. You can even spread it on sandwiches. In this post, we explored how to make cranberry sauce. We covered key ingredients, substitutions, and the importance of freshness. Step-by-step instructions ensured you could prepare and cook with ease. Tips helped you avoid bitterness and add spices for flavor. We also shared variations to try, along with how to store and reheat leftovers. Fresh cranberry sauce can elevate many dishes. Enjoy the process and make it your own! Your homemade sauce will impress your friends and family.

Cranberry Sauce Delight with Brown Sugar & Vanilla

A delightful and sweet cranberry sauce enhanced with brown sugar and vanilla, perfect for holiday meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 zest of one orange
  • a pinch of cinnamon
  • to taste salt (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any that are moldy or damaged.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water and brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  • Add the cranberries to the saucepan and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture begins to thicken.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and a pinch of cinnamon. Taste the sauce and add a small pinch of salt if desired, to enhance the flavors.
  • Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool; it will thicken further as it cools.
  • Once cooled, transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving bowl or jar, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Serve in a glass bowl and garnish with whole cranberries or an orange slice for an elegant presentation.
Keyword cranberry sauce, holiday recipe, sauce