Yields: 1 ½ cups of sauce | Prep + Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup orange juice Fresh
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 star star anise
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, or real maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water, plus more as needed
Instructions:
- Rinse and pick through the cranberries. Discard any flawed
- Over medium-low heat, add 1/2 cup water and the cranberries to the sauce pan and cover with a lid. Allow the berries to cook until they start to pop and release their juice, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning and ensure the berries don't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the aromatics to the pan: cinnamon stick and star anise. Give it a stir, and stir frequently to avoid scorching the jammy sauce.
- Pour the fresh orange juice into the pan along with the zest.
- Allow to simmer on low heat, lid off, until most of the berries have burst. Use the back of a spoon or a masher to break any remaining berries by pushing them against the side of the pan. Be careful – the hot juice can spray up and out of the pan!
- Add the sugar OR maple syrup to sweeten. Start with 1/2 a cup and add a bit more if you prefer a sweeter sauce. If needed, add more water one tablespoon at a time to keep the sauce from becoming too sticky and to reach your desired consistency. The sauce will thicken and gel as it cools.
- Remove from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick and star anise. Allow to cool before scooping into a jar. Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
The Host Notes:
- Double the recipe for a larger crowd, or to save a jar for a later date.
- There are so many ways to enjoy this simple stovetop jam!
- While a great addition to your holiday table alongside turkey or prime rib, this cranberry sauce is delicious year-round. Try it as an unexpected condiment for dry rub chicken wings or a tangy glaze for grilled salmon. Stir a teaspoon of cranberry sauce into sparkling water or a cocktail for a fun, seasonal treat. Add a dollop to your favorite plain Greek yogurt.
For full recipe notes including serving suggestions and more seasonal, hospitality-focused recipes, visit thehostnotes.com and follow along @thehostnotes on your favorite social channels.
Amber Dawn Schultheis is a Snohomish-based hospitality and culinary creator and the founder of The Host Notes. From casual celebrations to Tuesday night dinner, she helps you gather with intention, joy, and ease. Find more seasonal recipes and hospitality inspiration at thehostnotes.com and follow @thehostnotes on all your social channels.