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Best Ever Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce simmers fresh cranberries with sugar until most of the berries burst and the sauce thickens. Orange zest stirred in at the end adds a bright citrus note, and the sauce thickens further as it cools.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 106
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries rinsed and picked over
  • 1 tsp orange zest finely grated

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart saucepan

Method
 

  1. Combine the water and sugar in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Stir in the cranberries and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries have burst and the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the orange zest.
  5. Let the sauce cool for at least 30 minutes before serving; it will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

For the brightest citrus flavor, finely grate the orange zest just before adding it. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 10 days; freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.