Cherry-Cranberry Bliss Sauce
Every Thanksgiving table deserves a touch of sweetness and tartness, and this Cherry-Cranberry Bliss Sauce delivers just that. The delightful pairing of tart cranberries and succulent tart cherries offers a refreshing contrast that brightens up any holiday dish. Not only does it complement turkey and stuffing, but it also serves as a perfect topping for desserts and cheeses. Prepare it ahead of time for the ultimate convenience—its flavors deepen as it chills, making it a quintessential addition to your festive feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 1/2 cups (granulated)
water
1 1/2 cups (room temperature)
tart cherries
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (pitted and drained)
fresh cranberries
4 cups (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the sugar completely dissolves.
2
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the fresh cranberries and the drained tart cherries to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring occasionally.
3
As the cranberries begin to pop, continue cooking for approximately 6 minutes without covering the pan.
4
After 6 minutes, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before pouring the sauce into a serving dish.
6
Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to fully chill.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cherry-Cranberry Bliss Sauce?
Cherry-Cranberry Bliss Sauce is a festive holiday side dish that combines the sweetness of sugar with the tartness of cranberries and cherries.
What are the primary ingredients in this sauce?
The sauce is made from granulated sugar, water, canned tart cherries, and fresh or frozen cranberries.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either 4 cups of fresh cranberries or 4 cups of frozen cranberries.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
Do I need to drain the cherries?
Yes, the 14.5-ounce can of tart cherries should be pitted and drained before being added to the sauce.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to combine sugar and water in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
How long does the sauce need to boil?
Once the fruit is added, bring the mixture to a rapid boil and cook for approximately 6 minutes.
What happens to the cranberries during cooking?
The cranberries will begin to pop as they cook during the rapid boil stage.
How long should the sauce simmer?
After boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
How do I know when the sauce is done?
The sauce is finished when it has thickened to your desired consistency after simmering.
Should the pan be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered to allow it to thicken properly.
How long must the sauce be refrigerated before serving?
The sauce should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to chill.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it ahead of time as the flavors deepen as it chills.
What main dishes does this sauce pair well with?
It is a perfect complement to traditional holiday dishes like turkey and stuffing.
Can this sauce be used for anything other than a side dish?
Yes, it serves as an excellent topping for desserts and various cheeses.
What type of cherries are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using canned tart cherries that are pitted and drained.
What temperature should the water be initially?
The recipe suggests using 1 1/2 cups of room temperature water.
Does this recipe contain any protein?
This recipe is considered low protein according to the tags.
What is the flavor profile of this sauce?
The sauce provides a refreshing contrast of sweet and tart flavors.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 4 main ingredients: sugar, water, tart cherries, and cranberries.
Is this sauce served warm or cold?
It is traditionally served chilled after being refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
What is the total preparation and cooking time?
Excluding cooling and chilling, the active cooking time is approximately 26 to 30 minutes.
What size saucepan should I use?
A large saucepan is recommended to accommodate the 4 cups of cranberries and other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically described as a quintessential addition to a Thanksgiving feast.
How should I store the finished sauce?
Store the sauce in a serving dish covered with plastic wrap or a lid in the refrigerator.
Should I stir the mixture while the sugar is dissolving?
Yes, stir gently over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves in the water.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it boils?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally during the rapid boil stage.
Can I use this sauce as a gift?
While the description doesn't explicitly say so, its festive nature makes it a great homemade holiday gift.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include thanksgiving, holiday, sauce, cranberry, cherry, sweet, tart, sides, and low protein.
What is the consistency of the final product?
The product is a thick sauce, achieved through simmering and subsequent chilling.