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- 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups) - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best) - 1 cup sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier alternative) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch) - Pinch of salt If you want to switch things up, you can replace sugar with maple syrup. It adds a nice flavor and cuts down on refined sugar. For the orange juice, feel free to use store-bought if fresh is not available. You can also swap out the nuts; try almonds or leave them out completely for a nut-free sauce. Fresh cranberries give the best taste and texture. They are firm and tart, making your sauce bright and lively. If you use frozen cranberries, thaw them first and drain any extra liquid. They may be softer and less tart, which can change the final taste of your sauce. Always check the package for any signs of freezer burn. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 12 oz fresh cranberries (about 3 cups) - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best) - 1 cup sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier alternative) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch) - Pinch of salt Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or bruised berries. Place the cleaned cranberries in the slow cooker. Next, take a bowl and mix the orange juice, sugar or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest. Stir this mixture until well combined. Pour it over the cranberries in the slow cooker. Mix gently to combine all the flavors. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the taste. This step is key! It helps to bring out the sweetness and spice. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the cranberries to burst and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally if you can. If you want extra crunch, add the chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This gives a nice texture to the sauce. Once the cooking time is up, taste your sauce. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or maple syrup if needed. Let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken more as it cools. Transfer it to a serving dish or container. For a festive touch, serve the cranberry sauce in a decorative bowl. You can garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary or some orange slices. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this spiced cranberry sauce! You can easily change the spice levels in your sauce. If you like more warmth, add extra cinnamon or ginger. For a bolder flavor, try increasing the cloves or nutmeg. Taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect balance. You may also mix in other spices, like allspice or cardamom, to create a unique twist. To avoid burnt sauce, keep a close watch on your cook time. If you set your slow cooker on low, aim for 4 to 6 hours. For high, check at 2 to 3 hours. Stir the sauce occasionally if you can. This helps the heat spread evenly. If you notice it thickening too much, add a splash of orange juice to keep it moist. For a smooth sauce, mash the cranberries with a fork after they burst. This gives it a nice texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, leave some cranberries whole. Adding chopped nuts at the end adds a lovely crunch. Let the sauce cool a bit after cooking. It will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen cranberries may not yield the same results. Sweetness Balance: Adjust the sweetness to your liking; start with less sugar and add more gradually to avoid overpowering the natural tartness. Add a Twist: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile that complements the traditional spices. Storage Tips: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; it also freezes well for up to 3 months. {{image_2}} You can swap sugar for maple syrup. Maple syrup adds sweetness and depth. It lowers calories and gives a lovely flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting. This change makes the sauce healthier and still tasty. Your guests will love it! You can boost flavor by adding fruits or nuts. Fresh apples or pears work well. Chop them into small pieces and mix them in. You can also add nuts, like pecans or walnuts. They give a nice crunch. Toss them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This twist adds texture and makes your sauce unique. To make this dish vegan, use maple syrup instead of sugar. This adjustment keeps it plant-based and sweet. For gluten-free options, ensure your spices are certified gluten-free. Most spices are safe, but it’s good to check. These changes keep the dish enjoyable for all diets. After making your slow cooker spiced cranberry sauce, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze your cranberry sauce, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Label each bag with the date. It can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the taste fresh. To reheat the sauce, pour it into a saucepan. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in short bursts. Just make sure to stir well between heating. Enjoy your warm, flavorful sauce on your favorite dishes! Yes, you can make cranberry sauce ahead of time. I often prepare it a day or two before a big meal. This saves time and lets the flavors blend nicely. Once it cools, store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week. Adjusting sweetness is easy. After cooking, taste the sauce. If you find it too tart, add more sugar or maple syrup. Start with a tablespoon, then mix well and taste again. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out! Serving spiced cranberry sauce can be fun! Use a decorative bowl for a festive look. Garnish with fresh rosemary or orange slices for color. This makes your dish pop on the table. You can also serve it warm or chilled, based on your preference. This blog post covered the key ingredients for cranberry sauce, how to prepare it, and tips to enhance your dish. We discussed ingredient swaps and the difference between fresh and frozen cranberries. From slow cooking to serving suggestions, every step is crucial for great flavor. I shared ideas for making healthier or dietary-friendly versions. Lastly, I explained how to store and reheat your sauce. Embrace these tips to impress your guests with a perfect cranberry sauce every time. Enjoy creating your delicious masterpiece!

Harvest Harmony Spiced Cranberry Sauce

A delightful spiced cranberry sauce perfect for the holidays, featuring fresh cranberries and warm spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 unit zest of orange
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or bruised berries. Place them in the slow cooker.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, sugar (or maple syrup), ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest until well combined.
  • Pour the mixture over the cranberries in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and mix again.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally if possible.
  • If using, add the chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture.
  • Once done, taste and adjust the sweetness, adding more sugar or maple syrup if needed.
  • Allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving dish or container. It will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

Serve in a decorative bowl and garnish with rosemary or orange slices.
Keyword cranberry sauce, holiday, sauce, spiced