Q1: What is the difference between cranberry sauce and cranberry relish?

Traditionally, cranberry sauce is cooked on the stovetop until the berries break down into a jammy, sauce-like consistency. Cranberry relish is typically made with raw, uncooked cranberries that are finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor, often with an orange and sugar, resulting in a chunky, fresh, and very tart condiment. This recipe is the perfect hybrid of both!

Q2: Do I need to use fresh cranberries, or can I use a bag of frozen ones?

You can use either! This is one of the few recipes where there is virtually no difference in the final result between using fresh or frozen cranberries. If you are using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the saucepan and proceed with the recipe as written.

Q3: My cranberry sauce seems too thin while it's on the stove. Will it thicken up?

Yes, absolutely! Do not worry if your sauce looks a bit loose while it is still hot on the stove. Cranberries are very high in a natural gelling agent called pectin. The sauce will thicken up considerably as it cools down to room temperature and then chills in the refrigerator.

Q4: How long does homemade cranberry sauce last in the refrigerator?

Because of its high sugar and acid content, homemade cranberry sauce is a fantastic keeper! It will last, stored in an airtight container or a jar, in the refrigerator for at least 10 to 14 days , which makes it the perfect make-ahead dish for a stress-free Thanksgiving.

Q5: Can I adjust the sweetness of this sauce?

Of course! This recipe creates a nicely balanced sweet-tart sauce. If you know you prefer a very tart sauce, you can start with a little less sugar (about 3/4 cup). If you prefer a very sweet sauce, you can increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups. Always taste the sauce after it has cooked and adjust if necessary.

The Best Perfect & Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A perfectly balanced, sweet-and-tangy cranberry sauce designed to please everyone. This recipe features a unique method where most of the cranberries are simmered until they burst and create a classic cooked sauce, while some whole cranberries are reserved and stirred in at the end. This technique adds a fresh, poppy texture similar to a relish. It’s a perfect make-ahead condiment for Thanksgiving or any holiday celebration, as the flavors improve with time.

Author: Evelyn
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield: 8-10 servings (makes approx. 3 cups) 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries (about 4 cups)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water or orange juice
1 orange, zested (optional)

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Instructions

Note: The specific ingredients and instructions for this recipe were not provided in the source article and have been inferred based on the description of a classic cranberry sauce.
Reserve 1 cup of the whole cranberries and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 3 cups of cranberries, the sugar, and the water or orange juice.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the reserved 1 cup of whole cranberries and the optional orange zest. The heat from the sauce will soften them slightly while still leaving a pleasant pop.
Let the sauce cool completely to room temperature, then transfer to a container and chill in the refrigerator.

Notes

This sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time; the article notes that the flavor gets better as it sits.
Stirring in some of the cranberries raw at the end is the key to achieving a texture that will appeal to both sauce and relish lovers.
Leftover cranberry sauce is versatile and can be used on sandwiches, pancakes, or as a glaze for chicken and pork.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 100-130
Sugar: 22-28 g
Sodium: 0-5 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25-32 g
Fiber: 2-3 g
Protein: <1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/homemade-cranberry-sauce/