Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
- 2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup maple syrup for a deeper flavor)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the cranberries thoroughly in a colander. Discard any berries that are soft, shriveled, or bruised. Peel your apples and dice them into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Small pieces ensure the apples soften at the same rate the cranberries burst, creating a cohesive texture throughout the sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the cleaned cranberries, diced apples, cinnamon stick, orange zest, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- During the simmering process, you will hear the cranberries “pop” as they release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the sauce has thickened and the apples are tender, remove the pan from the heat. Take out the cinnamon stick. Transfer the sauce to a glass bowl and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken significantly as it cools. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes