Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (one standard bag)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup 100% orange juice
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries in a colander under cold water. Pick through the berries and discard any that are soft, shriveled, or bruised. Zest one medium orange until you have about a teaspoon of fragrant zest. Set the zest aside for later use.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, orange juice, and the cinnamon stick. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid begins to boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed cranberries and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You will hear the cranberries begin to “pop”—this is exactly what you want! Stir occasionally until most of the berries have burst and the liquid has started to thicken.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh orange zest. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick. Transfer the sauce to a glass bowl or a serving dish. Let it cool to room temperature before covering it and placing it in the refrigerator. The sauce will continue to thicken significantly as it chills. Serve cold or at room temperature alongside your favorite holiday proteins.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes