Zesty Homemade Cranberry & Citrus Gelatin Sauce
Elevate your holiday feast with this vibrant and refreshing Zesty Homemade Cranberry & Citrus Gelatin Sauce! Unlike the store-bought varieties that come out of a can, this homemade sauce bursts with fresh flavors and offers a delightful twist with the addition of zesty oranges and lemons. The bright ruby-red cranberries contribute to its eye-catching hue, while the balanced tang of citrus and sweetness of sugar create a perfect symphony of taste that's sure to impress your guests. This easy-to-make recipe is not only a centerpiece on the table but also a nostalgic nod to the classic gelatin salad. Enjoy this refreshing, jewel-toned sauce chilled for a delightful complement to your holiday meals.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberries
1 lb (washed)
Water
2 cups
Sugar
3/4 cup (or to taste)
Oranges
2 (juiced and zested)
Lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
Gelatin
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or damaged berries.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries and water, then bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3
Add the zests of both oranges and lemon to the saucepan, stirring gently.
4
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries start to soften and burst.
5
Once softened, add sugar to taste, stirring until it dissolves completely.
6
In a small bowl, mix the gelatin with the juices from the juiced oranges and lemon, letting it bloom for a few minutes before integrating it into the fruit mixture.
7
Combine the gelatin mixture with the cranberry mixture, stirring well to ensure it's fully incorporated.
8
Pour the cranberry sauce into a serving bowl or molded salad dish, cover, and refrigerate until completely chilled and set, usually for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9
If using a molded salad bowl, lightly coat the insides with cooking spray before pouring in the sauce. To serve, invert the mold onto a plate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Homemade Cranberry & Citrus Gelatin Sauce?
It is a vibrant, refreshing holiday sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange and lemon zest, and gelatin for a jewel-toned, set texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 8 servings.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used; just ensure they are rinsed and you may need to simmer them slightly longer.
How long does the sauce need to chill to set?
The sauce should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure it is completely chilled and set.
What ingredients provide the citrus flavor?
The citrus flavor comes from the juice and zest of two oranges and one lemon.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sugar, though you can adjust this amount to your personal taste.
What is the first step in preparing the cranberries?
You should thoroughly rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
How do I bloom the gelatin for this recipe?
Mix the 2 tablespoons of gelatin with the freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the fruit mixture.
Can this sauce be made in a mold?
Yes, you can pour the mixture into a molded salad dish. Lightly coat the inside with cooking spray first to make it easier to unmold.
How do I serve the sauce if I used a mold?
Once the gelatin is fully set, invert the mold onto a serving plate to release the sauce.
How long should the cranberries simmer?
Simmer the cranberries for about 10 minutes, or until they start to soften and burst.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, this cranberry sauce is a classic holiday side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.
What is the texture of this cranberry sauce?
It has a firm, gelatinous texture similar to a molded salad, rather than a thin liquid sauce.
Can I use bottled juice instead of fresh citrus?
Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor and to provide the zest required, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that requires only six ingredients and simple simmering and chilling steps.
What is the color of the final dish?
The sauce features a bright ruby-red or jewel-toned hue thanks to the fresh cranberries.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
Specific nutritional data such as calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided for this specific recipe.
When should I add the sugar?
Add the sugar after the cranberries have softened and burst, stirring until it dissolves completely.
What type of saucepan is needed?
A medium saucepan is sufficient for simmering the cranberries and water.
Can I adjust the amount of zest?
Yes, you can adjust the orange and lemon zest to your preference for a more or less citrusy profile.
Is the gelatin incorporated directly into the hot mixture?
The gelatin is first bloomed in citrus juice and then stirred into the cranberry mixture to ensure it is fully incorporated.
Do I need to peel the cranberries?
No, you use the whole cranberries; they will burst and soften during the simmering process.
How do I prevent the gelatin from clumping?
Ensure you stir the bloomed gelatin mixture well into the cranberry fruit mixture until it is fully integrated.
Can I use this as a replacement for canned cranberry sauce?
Yes, this homemade version offers a fresher, more vibrant alternative to store-bought canned varieties.
Is this a cold or warm sauce?
This sauce is served chilled.
What happens if I don't refrigerate it long enough?
If not chilled for at least 4 hours, the gelatin may not set properly, and the sauce will be too soft to hold its shape.
How many oranges are used?
The recipe calls for 2 oranges, both for their juice and their zest.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, some people like to add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Is there a specific way to rinse the berries?
Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, stems, or soft/damaged berries before cooking.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Sauces, though it also functions as a gelatin salad.