Holiday Cranberry Sauce

November 22, 2011 • Alaska from Scratch, Autumn, Holidays & Occasions, Recipes, Seasons, Winter

Weather: 3 degrees, bright and snowy
What I’m listening to:
Chris Tomlin, Glory in the Highest

Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by homemade cranberry sauce. It’s delicious, a fantastic tart-sweet compliment to a savory roasted turkey, and so simple to make. Whole fresh cranberries are your friend. Tell yourself that. It’s true.

 The most recent installment of Food Network Magazine took a poll which stated that 54% of Americans prefer jellied cranberry sauce from a can. This cannot be so. I believe it’s because most Americans are intimidated by fresh cranberries or have never tried them. This is your chance! Seize the day.

Holiday Cranberry Sauce

  • 1 (12oz) bag fresh cranberries
  • Zest and juice of one large orange
  • 1c [Apple Cider Syrup| http://alaskascratch.wpengine.com/2011/11/17/apple-cider-breakfast-syrup/] or pure maple syrup
  • 1T crystalized ginger, minced
  • Pinch of salt

Add all ingredients to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cover until mixture begins to simmer and cranberries begin to pop and foam. Taste for sweetness. If too tart, add sugar by the teaspoon until your desired sweetness is achieved, and stir until sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Sauce will thicken as it cools. Best if allowed to chill for at least a day for the flavors to mingle.