Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce
“Thought I didn’t like cranberry sauce, but it turns out I’d just never had it like THIS. I wasn’t leaving without the recipe! Now I make it every year and it’s always a hit.”
### Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce
This delightful Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce brings a fresh, citrusy twist to the classic cranberry condiment, perfect for elevating your holiday feasts or any special meal. With its vibrant color and balance of tartness and sweetness, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, adding a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to your table.
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#### **Ingredients**
– **12 oz fresh cranberries**: These bright red berries form the base of the sauce, providing their signature tartness and a deep, rich flavor that becomes sweetened during cooking.
– **1 ¼ cups granulated sugar**: This amount of sugar ensures that the sauce is well-balanced, complementing the natural tartness of the cranberries. Adjust according to your taste preference if you like it sweeter or more tart.
– **Juice and zest of 1 blood orange**: The juice contributes a tangy, sweet citrus flavor, while the zest adds an aromatic, zesty note that enhances the sauce’s complexity. Blood oranges also impart a beautiful, vibrant color to the sauce.
– **⅓ cup water**: This helps to create the desired consistency of the sauce, allowing the cranberries to simmer properly and release their juices.
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#### **Preparation**
**1. Combine Ingredients:**
– Begin by placing the **fresh cranberries**, **granulated sugar**, **blood orange juice and zest**, and **water** into a small saucepan. The combination of ingredients creates a base that will develop into a flavorful sauce.
**2. Simmer the Sauce:**
– Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. As it heats, the cranberries will start to burst, releasing their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will pop, and the sauce will begin to thicken.
**3. Adjust Consistency and Flavor:**
– As the sauce simmers, it will be somewhat runny. After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Use a spoon or fork to mash any remaining whole cranberries, creating a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step.
– Taste the sauce. If you find it too tart, gradually add additional sugar to taste, stirring well to ensure it dissolves completely. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.
**4. Cool and Store:**
– Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl, allowing it to cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour. This cooling period helps the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
– For convenience, you can prepare this sauce 1 to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a good stir with a fork to break up any solidified parts and restore its texture.
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**Serving Suggestions:**
This Blood Orange Cranberry Sauce is incredibly versatile and enhances a variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with:
– **Roasted or Grilled Poultry**: Serve it alongside chicken or turkey for a festive touch.
– **Pork**: Its tangy sweetness complements the savory flavors of roasted or grilled pork.
– **Duck**: The rich flavor of duck pairs wonderfully with the vibrant, citrusy notes of this sauce.
– **Vegetarian Dishes**: It can also be a delightful addition to vegetarian meals, adding a burst of flavor to grain bowls or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy this cranberry sauce as a standout accompaniment that adds a burst of color, flavor, and elegance to any meal.
