Seriously it really is the best…and I’ve made a LOT of cranberry sauces. It’s the one thing I like to do differently every year for the holidays. Mostly because it’s so easy to make (I am definitely in the ANTI-CAN group; never loved it and never will!) but also because I think it’s really versatile. I’ve added maple syrup and vodka, toasted walnuts and more. One year I thought I would try a spicy Asian version with jalapeno and Chinese Five Spice; you won’t find it on this blog…that was a Mistake with a capital M!
I think this is the best because it seems to have such a down home quality; it’s not sophisticated like this Cosmopolitan Cranberry Sauce (that’s the vodka one) but I already know it’s going to be great on my most favorite ever of all Thanksgiving dishes…this sandwich the day after!
I tried to forgo decided that the only boost it needed was a splash of orange liqueur…oh how I love to use booze when cooking! The spices are both warm and sweet and using apple cider and brown sugar instead of water and granulated sugar is a must that I’ve learned makes all the difference. Try it; I know you’ll love it too!
I had high hopes of putting together a post with all of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes and including this new one in that list. That effort escaped me but a better one came about anyhow! The folks with World Vision asked if I would share with my readers the World Vision Gift Catalog that they’ve put together. What better time than this week when we give thanks for all of our blessings to think about those who are not so blessed; who struggle with the bare necessities and that includes the food that most of our tables will be groaning with tomorrow.
They offered me the opportunity to host a giveaway of the cinnamon box shown above but I hope that every one of you will understand why I deferred…I would much prefer that their monies go to help the lives of children, adults and communities in the US and around the world in many different areas of need; clean water, food, education, sexual exploitation, job training and more.
More than 30 gifts in the catalog are $35 or less and 85% of of World Vision’s total operating expenses are used for programs that benefit those in need. Won’t you help? How meaningful it would be to offer a gift to someone that they will treasure but also know that it is doing good for someone less fortunate.
It’s all I want for Christmas.
Calories
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Serves 4-6
10 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
25 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- Two 1/4-inch-thick slices peeled ginger (I used ginger paste; about 2 Tbsp)
- 2 star anise
- 1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- 2 strips of orange zest
- 2 Tbsp of Orange Liqueur (I used Citronge)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook about 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- The sauce is done once the cranberries have all popped and most have lost their shape and the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove ginger, star anise and cinnamon stick and put sauce into a bowl. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight if possible.
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