Cranberry Sauce_ A Christmas Tradition Made Easy

Cranberry Sauce: A Christmas Tradition Made Easy This Cranberry Sauce recipe brings a fresh, tangy twist to your holiday meals, elevating your Christmas feast with its vibrant flavor. With just a few simple ingredients — fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest — you can make this classic Christmas side dish in minutes. Whether served alongside roasted turkey, ham, or as part of your holiday spread, this homemade cranberry sauce is a must-have tradition that adds both color and flavor to your table. The balance of sweetness and tartness makes it a perfect complement to rich and savory dishes. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy stress-free holiday preparations. You can also customize this recipe by adding spices like cinnamon or cloves for extra depth. This easy cranberry sauce is the perfect way to enhance your Christmas dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Ingredients: 12 oz fresh cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible) Zest of 1 orange Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or ground ginger Optional: 1/4 cup water (if needed for consistency) Instructions: Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and discard any that are soft or damaged. Cook the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer and Stir: Cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.