Cranberry sauce is a staple condiment for many holiday meals. While some enjoy the classic jellied cranberry sauce straight from the can, others like to jazz it up with new flavors and textures. This article will provide tips and tricks for elevating your cranberry sauce to make it a standout part of your holiday spread.
Add Zest and Spice
One of the easiest ways to enhance basic cranberry sauce is to add zest and spice. Here are some zesty flavor ideas to try:
- Fresh citrus zest – Add the zest of oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit.
- Fresh herbs – Fold in chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley.
- Ground ginger or cinnamon – Add a teaspoon or two of warming spice.
- chili powder or cayenne pepper – Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if you want heat.
Many of these ingredients pair especially well with oranges. Consider adding some orange segments or juice along with citrus zest and spices.
Sweeten with Different Sweeteners
Cranberry sauce is tart by nature, which is why it benefits from added sweetener. While plain white sugar is most common, you can use alternatives to make your cranberry sauce more unique.
Here are some sweeteners to try in place of regular granulated sugar:
| Sweetener | Substitution Ratio |
|---|---|
| Maple syrup | 1 cup sugar = 3/4 cup maple syrup |
| Honey | 1 cup sugar = 3/4 cup honey |
| Brown sugar | Substitute 1:1 for granulated sugar |
| Molasses | 1 cup sugar = 1/2 cup molasses |
Maple syrup will provide the most authentic maple flavor, while brown sugar gives the sauce a deeper, muscovado sugar taste. Molasses adds both sweetness and a robust, almost bittersweet flavor.
Infuse with Alcohol
For adults, a splash of alcohol can impart festive flavor to cranberry sauce. Consider adding any of the following:
- Brandy or cognac – Add 2-3 tablespoons for a warming brandy flavor.
- Bourbon – The caramel notes pair nicely with cranberries.
- Ruby port – Deepens the berry flavor.
- Orange liqueur – Try a liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
Start by adding 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen alcohol per 1 cup of cranberry sauce. Taste and add more alcohol as desired. The sauce may thin slightly with more liquid added.
Mix in Fruits and Nuts
Bits of fruit and crunchy nuts complement both the appearance and flavor of cranberry sauce.
Fruits to mix in:
- Chopped apples or pears
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Diced mango or pineapple
- Pomegranate seeds
Nuts that pair well:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Toasted almonds
- Chopped pistachios
For best texture, fold in dried fruits and nuts just before serving. If added too early, they may soften too much during cooking.
Turn into a Relish
For a twist on cranberry sauce, turn it into a chunky cranberry relish by leaving the berries in larger pieces. Here are two relish recipes to try:
Cranberry Orange Relish
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions:
- Coarsely chop cranberries and place in a bowl. Add sugar, orange zest, and juice. Toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld.
- Stir before serving.
Cranberry Walnut Relish
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 Granny Smith apple, diced
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Instructions:
- Coarsely chop cranberries and place in a bowl. Add sugar and apple and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld.
- Stir in walnuts before serving.
Vary the Texture
The hallmark jelled consistency of cranberry sauce comes from the natural pectin in cranberries. But you can also make chunky, jammy, or smooth sauces by tweaking a few steps.
For a chunky sauce, cook the cranberries just until they start to pop and soften, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and gently fold in remaining ingredients.
For a jam-like sauce, cook the cranberries down longer, 10-15 minutes, until they break down and release their juices. Mash slightly with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
For a smooth sauce, puree the finished cranberry sauce in a food processor or blender until completely smooth.
Make a Compote
Take your cranberry sauce to dessert status by turning it into a pretty cranberry compote. Simply cook down fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water until thickened, then serve warm or chilled over ice cream, pound cake, or angel food cake.
Jazz it up by also adding:
- Sliced oranges or blood oranges
- Sliced pears or quince
- Dried cherries or raisins
- Vanilla bean
- Cinnamon stick or star anise
- Brandy or orange liqueur
Garnish each serving with freshly whipped cream if desired.
Conclusion
Cranberry sauce is prime for creativity. With unique ingredients like citrus, warm spices, various sweeteners, fruits and nuts, you can take cranberry sauce from basic to brilliant. Varying the texture also leads to delicious results, from chunky relishes to smooth pureed sauces. Turn your cranberry sauce into an elegant cranberry compote for dessert by simmering with fancy flavorings. However you choose to prepare it, a homemade spin on cranberry sauce is sure to jazz up your holiday table.