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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Fresh Cranberries: These are the superstar of the sauce! Look for firm, bright cranberries. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries. Just don’t thaw them before cooking; they will still work beautifully.

Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a rich sweetness. For a lower sugar option, you can use honey or agave syrup, but this will alter the flavor. I’ve found that maple gives the best balance with cranberries.

Orange Juice & Zest: The citrus note brightens up the sauce. If you prefer not to use it, you can use lemon juice instead, but it’s a bit more tart. Alternatively, just skip the citrus and let the cranberries shine on their own!

Cinnamon: This adds warm spice, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan. Nutmeg or ginger can also be great substitutes if you like a different kind of warmth!

How Do I Get My Cranberries to Burst Perfectly?

The key to getting those cranberries to burst is patience! When cooking, keep an eye on the heat level to avoid burning while ensuring that they cook through. Here’s what to do:

• Start by boiling the liquid mixture to get it hot. This helps the cranberries cook faster.
• Add the cranberries when the liquid is bubbling. Stir them in well.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and let them simmer. This is where the magic happens—just wait as they pop open! Aim for about 10-15 minutes.
• Be sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken after cooling, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin at first!

Maple Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sauce:

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (optional, for a citrus note)
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful Maple Cranberry Sauce takes about 15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a few minutes prepping the ingredients and then let it simmer. Plus, it gets even better as it cools!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse and Prepare the Cranberries:

Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold water. Take a moment to go through them and toss away any that are soft or damaged. This helps ensure your sauce is fresh and tasty.

2. Mix the Base Ingredients:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, maple syrup, and orange juice (if using). Turn the heat to medium and bring this mixture to a boil. You’ll see it bubbling, which is a sign it’s ready for the cranberries!

3. Combine and Cook:

Now, add the rinsed cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the boiling mixture. Stir everything together to make sure the cranberries get coated with that sweet goodness.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice the cranberries start to burst as they cook, which is exactly what we want!

5. Cool the Sauce:

Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened nicely, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool down. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools!

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer your beautiful cranberry sauce into a serving bowl. If you’d like, you can garnish it with a sprig of fresh rosemary for that extra touch. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday dishes.

Enjoy this vibrant, sweet-tart Maple Cranberry Sauce that is sure to brighten up any meal!

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just add them directly to the saucepan without thawing. They may take a minute or two longer to cook, but they’ll still burst beautifully!

Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare this maple cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just make sure to reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, before serving again.

Can I Adjust the Sweetness?

Definitely! If you prefer a sweeter sauce, just add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup while it cooks. Conversely, if you like it less sweet, reduce the amount of syrup to your taste. You can always taste and adjust while simmering!