Jana's Corner & One and Done Recipes

This simple and easy recipe will make you ditch that canned sauce forever! Have leftover cranberry sauce? Don’t pitch it—add some to mayo for your turkey sandwiches!

Ingredients

• 12 oz package of fresh cranberries
• 1 navel orange (zest and juice)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup liquid (water, orange juice, or cranberry juice)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 medium saucepan

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Rinse the cranberries and set aside.
   • Zest the orange, then cut it in half and juice it. Reserve 3-4 strips of orange zest (avoid the white pith) and the juice.
2. Combine Main Ingredients:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and your chosen liquid (water, orange juice, or cranberry juice).
3. Heat and Blend:
   • Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer with Aromatics:
   • Reduce the heat to a low simmer. Add the cinnamon stick and 3 of the orange zest strips.
   • Stir occasionally and simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until you hear the cranberries start to pop.
5. Add Orange Juice:
   • Once most of the cranberries have burst, add the fresh orange juice and stir to combine.
6. Mash and Thicken:
   • Use a potato masher to mash the cranberries to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, continue cooking for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.
7. Cool and Store:
   • Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. Once cooled, transfer to a container and store in the refrigerator.
8. Serve:
   • Serve chilled, garnished with the remaining orange zest strip.

Tips

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your sauce after mashing and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
• Add Depth of Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of brandy or a pinch of ground cloves.
• Texture Variation: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, mash less. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it slightly with an immersion blender.