Cranberry Citrus Delight Sauce
Elevate your holiday meals with this zesty Cranberry Citrus Delight Sauce, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of apples and the bright flavor of oranges. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, this sauce not only adds a beautiful splash of color to your table but also a delightful burst of flavor that complements turkey, ham, and even dessert. Whether served warm or chilled, it's an irresistible addition that guests are sure to enjoy.
4
Servings
325
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange
1/2 (squeezed and rind diced)
Water
2 cups (none)
Tart Apple (e.g., Granny Smith, Pippin, or McIntosh)
1 (peeled, cored, and diced)
Fresh Cranberries
3 cups (sorted)
Sugar
1 1/4 cups (none)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground Cloves
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by squeezing the juice from the orange into a bowl and setting the juice aside. Carefully remove the membrane from inside the orange rind and dice the rind into small pieces.
2
In a small saucepan, combine the diced orange rind and 2 cups of water. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and let simmer for 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the mixture, discarding the water, and set the orange rind aside.
4
Next, prepare the tart apple by peeling, coring, and quartering it. Cut the apple into 1/2-inch dice and place it in a larger saucepan.
5
Sort through the fresh cranberries, discarding any soft or damaged ones. Add the cranberries to the diced apple in the saucepan.
6
In the same saucepan, incorporate the reserved orange juice, diced orange rind, sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil once more over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pan and allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
8
Continue simmering for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened, the apple is tender, and the cranberries have burst open.
9
Once done, transfer the warm cranberry sauce to a heatproof bowl and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving. For serving later, cover and refrigerate, and remember to bring it to room temperature before using.
10
To serve, pour the cranberry sauce into a sauce boat and share it with your guests for a delightful accompaniment to their meals.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
81g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
4.5g
Fiber
50g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Citrus Delight Sauce?
Cranberry Citrus Delight Sauce is a zesty holiday condiment that combines fresh cranberries with tart apples and bright orange flavors.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are orange (juice and rind), water, tart apples, fresh cranberries, sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
Which types of apples are recommended for this sauce?
Tart apples such as Granny Smith, Pippin, or McIntosh are recommended for the best flavor profile.
How should I prepare the orange?
Squeeze the juice from the orange into a bowl and set it aside. Then, remove the membrane from the rind and dice the rind into small pieces.
Why do I need to boil the orange rind separately?
Boiling the diced orange rind for 10 minutes in water helps soften it and removes bitterness before it is added to the sauce.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens, the apples are tender, and the cranberries have burst.
Can this sauce be served warm or cold?
This sauce is versatile and can be served either warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in this recipe?
No, this sauce contains 0g of fat and no cholesterol.
What is the carbohydrate and sugar content?
One serving contains 81g of carbohydrates and 50g of sugar.
How much fiber is in the Cranberry Citrus Delight Sauce?
Each serving provides 4.5g of dietary fiber.
Should I peel the apple before dicing?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel, core, and quarter the apple before cutting it into 1/2-inch dice.
How should I prepare the fresh cranberries?
Sort through the cranberries and discard any that are soft or damaged before adding them to the saucepan.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate it, then bring it to room temperature before serving.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
What dishes does this sauce pair well with?
It complements turkey, ham, and can even be used as a topping for desserts.
Do I keep the water used for boiling the orange rind?
No, you should drain the mixture and discard the water after boiling the rind for 10 minutes.
How long should the sauce cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the sauce cool in a heatproof bowl for at least 1 hour.
Is the sauce simmered covered or uncovered?
The recipe suggests partially covering the pan while the mixture simmers gently.
What size should the apple pieces be?
The apple should be cut into 1/2-inch dice.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries can typically be used as a substitute if fresh are not available.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of sugar.
What should the heat setting be for the final simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low for the final 10-15 minute simmer.
What does 'bursting' mean for cranberries?
Bursting occurs when the heat causes the cranberry skins to pop open, which releases natural pectin and helps thicken the sauce.
Is there any protein in this sauce?
There is a very small amount of protein, approximately 0.25g per serving.
What category of dish is this considered?
It is categorized as a side dish, condiment, or sauce, often associated with holiday meals.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
The recipe relies on the fresh orange for both juice and the diced rind, so fresh is highly recommended for the intended flavor and texture.
What is the texture of this sauce?
The sauce has a chunky texture due to the diced apples, whole cranberries, and diced orange rind.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive holiday gathering.