I whipped up a batch of the most delicious cranberry sauce yesterday morning and had to exclaim to myself "For crying out loud, is cranberry sauce really this easy to make? So why haven't I done it before?" Yes, it is the easiest thing ever, like warming up a tin of soup. And the festive spices and orange juice and zest in this particular recipe of mine add a very delicious and warming touch to the sauce.
Never again will I buy inferior ready-made versions from the shop when mine tastes so spoon-licking good, and is so simple to produce. As well, if I make it myself I have the knowledge that the ingredients are fresh, and the sauce contains only what I want to be in there.
This sauce takes a maximum of 15 minutes to make, and it is utterly delicious - so there are no excuses. Much nicer than any from a jar. And you can make it in advance to save for when needed by freezing it.
Christmas Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Makes 2 generous cups
3 heaped cups / 340g fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup / 240 ml water
¾ cup / 150g sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
½ teaspoon ground mixed spice
Juice of ½ an orange
1. Wash the cranberries and add to a saucepan. Stir in the sugar and water and bring the pan to the boil over a high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Turn down to a medium simmer, then add the other ingredients. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow many of the berries to burst into the liquid.
3. Remove from the heat and leave to cool, remove the cinnamon sticks then refrigerate until needed.
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