Maple syrup cranberry sauce is a delightful twist on the classic cranberry sauce, incorporating the natural sweetness of maple syrup for a rich and slightly caramelized flavor. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions:
- Rinse and Pick Over Cranberries:
- Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and pick out any damaged or overly soft ones.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, pure maple syrup, water, grated orange zest (if using), a cinnamon stick (if using), ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Cook Over Medium Heat:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure the cranberries cook evenly.
- Simmer and Stir:
- Allow the cranberry mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally during this time.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If you prefer it thinner, add a little more water. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Remove Cinnamon Stick:
- If you used a cinnamon stick, remove it from the sauce at this point.
- Optional Orange Juice:
- If you want to add a bit more brightness to the sauce, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the maple syrup cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled, you can serve it as a side dish for Thanksgiving or other meals.
- Store:
- If you’re making the sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Maple syrup cranberry sauce adds a sweet and slightly earthy note to your holiday table. It pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, chicken, or even as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this twist on a classic dish!