Sweet's Cranberry Sauce provides a pop of color and delicious, unexpected flavor to your holiday table. Even better when made ahead, this simple recipe is sure to impress your family and guests!
Time: 30 minutes / Serves: 4-6 as a side/condiment
You'll need a wide pan, a spoon, and:
- 12 oz. whole, fresh organic cranberries
- 1/4 cup water
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 2 Tablespoons Sweet's Syrup
- 3 Tablespoons raw honey (or sweetener of choice)
- 2 sticks of cinnamon (or 1/4 tsp ground)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional)
1. Add cranberries and water to the pan, and turn heat to medium-low.
2. With a microplane or grater, remove zest from orange. Add zest to the pan.
3. Slice orange in half and squeeze out as much juice as possible into the pan. Set orange remnants aside.
4. Add whole cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), salt (if using), and your Sweet's Syrup to the pan. A Sweet's Shot Glass makes a great measuring cup!
5. Stir often and adjust heat down as necessary. Cranberries will begin to split and pop and reduce. Babysit this process and gently help it along with your spoon.
6. Once your berries are nearly all popped (we left some whole because it looks so pretty that way!), remove the pan from heat and let cool just a bit.
7. Drizzle in your honey, and stir to combine. Give it a taste, and adjust your seasonings if needed. Your palate may want a smidge more Sweet's Syrup or honey to balance the citrus.
8. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a serving dish or a lidded glass container and refrigerate. It'll keep for up to two weeks in the fridge. We love a good make-ahead recipe for the holidays!
(As for those orange remnants and leftover cinnamon sticks, add them to a small pot of water on a back burner. Throw in a little nutmeg, cloves, or whole allspice - even a small clipping from an evergreen tree - and bring the water up to par-boil. Now reduce to simmer, and let a lovely aroma fill your home! If you need to leave your kitchen, just turn it off. The smell will continue to drift!)