Cranberry Orange Sauce

This bright, tart-sweet cranberry sauce gets its holiday sparkle from fresh orange juice and zest, plus a hint of warm cinnamon. It's a five-minute-prep essential for Thanksgiving and Christmas tables, and far better than anything from a can — plus it keeps in the fridge for weeks.

By YumYum Editorial · Holiday & Seasonal

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 20 min · Total: 30 min · Serves 8

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• to taste Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp orange liqueur (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove from heat, stir in orange zest and orange liqueur if using.
5. Discard the cinnamon stick. Let the sauce cool to room temperature — it will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.