Zesty Cranberry-Mandarin Orange Bliss
Elevate your holiday table with this zesty and refreshing cranberry sauce, perfectly balancing the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of mandarin oranges. This delightful twist on the classic Ocean Spray recipe combines fresh ingredients and a touch of natural sweetness, making it a standout side dish. It's an ideal complement to your Thanksgiving turkey or any festive meal, and with the option of using Splenda, it easily accommodates dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Prepare to impress your guests with a vibrant sauce that captures the essence of the season!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar or Splenda granular
1 cup (Granulated sweetener)
Water
1 cup (None)
Fresh cranberries
1 (12-ounce) package (Rinsed and sorted)
Unsweetened mandarin oranges
1 (15-ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar (or Splenda) and water over medium heat. Stir until dissolved.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the fresh cranberries. Return to a boil.
3
Reduce the heat and allow the cranberries to gently boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the berries burst and thicken.
4
Carefully drain the mandarin oranges from the can, reserving the juice for another use if desired. Add the oranges to the saucepan, gently folding them into the cranberry mixture.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and cover. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cranberry-Mandarin Orange Bliss?
It is a refreshing and zesty cranberry sauce that balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of mandarin oranges, perfect for holiday tables.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The ingredients include sugar or Splenda granular, water, fresh cranberries, and unsweetened mandarin oranges.
Can I make this cranberry sauce sugar-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sugar with Splenda granular to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
What type of cranberries should I use for this sauce?
You should use one 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries that have been rinsed and sorted.
How do I prepare the cranberries before cooking?
The cranberries should be rinsed under cool water and sorted to remove any soft or damaged berries.
What kind of mandarin oranges are required?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of unsweetened mandarin oranges.
Should I drain the mandarin oranges before adding them?
Yes, you should drain and rinse the mandarin oranges before folding them into the cranberry mixture.
How long does it take to cook the cranberries?
The cranberries should gently boil for about 10 minutes until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
How can I tell when the cranberry sauce is finished cooking?
The sauce is ready when the cranberries have burst and the liquid has reached a thickened consistency.
Can I use the mandarin orange juice from the can?
The recipe suggests reserving the juice for another use rather than adding it to the sauce to maintain the correct consistency.
Is this cranberry sauce suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal complement to Thanksgiving turkey or any festive holiday meal.
How should I store leftover Zesty Cranberry-Mandarin Orange Bliss?
Store the sauce in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.
Can this sauce be served at room temperature?
Yes, this sauce can be served either chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
How long should the mixture cool before refrigerating?
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
Is this recipe considered low in protein?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as a low protein side dish.
Can I substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones?
While the recipe calls for fresh, frozen cranberries can typically be used as a substitute with similar cooking times.
What is the expected texture of this sauce?
The texture is a thick sauce featuring burst whole cranberries and soft mandarin orange segments.
Is this cranberry sauce vegan-friendly?
Yes, the ingredients listed (sugar/Splenda, water, fruit) are generally considered vegan-friendly.
Can the recipe be easily doubled for large gatherings?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to serve a larger number of guests at holiday gatherings.
How much sugar or sweetener is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of either sugar or Splenda granular.
What size of mandarin orange can is used?
You will need one 15-ounce can of mandarin oranges for this recipe.
What size package of fresh cranberries is needed?
The recipe requires one 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries.
Can I use a different sweetener besides sugar or Splenda?
While the recipe specifies sugar or Splenda, other granulated sweeteners may work, though the flavor and consistency might vary.
Why is it important to rinse the cranberries?
Rinsing ensures that any dirt or debris from the field is removed before the cooking process begins.
Is this a healthy holiday side dish?
Yes, it uses fresh fruit and offers a sugar-free option, making it a lighter alternative to many holiday sides.
What other dishes does this cranberry sauce pair well with?
Beyond turkey, it pairs excellently with roasted meats, holiday hams, or even as a topping for desserts.
Can I add holiday spices like cinnamon or cloves?
While not in the original recipe, you can add warm spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
How long will the sauce stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, cranberry sauce typically stays fresh for about 10 to 14 days.
Do I need to peel the mandarin oranges?
No, the recipe uses canned mandarin orange segments which are already peeled and ready to use.
Is this an easy recipe for beginner cooks?
Yes, with only 4 ingredients and simple boiling instructions, it is an excellent recipe for beginners.