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Simple Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This cranberry sauce is a must-have for Thanksgiving! I love using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to balance the tartness of the cranberries. It complements savory turkey and is incredibly easy to make.
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar or 3/4 cup honey
  • 3/4 cup water preferably filtered
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries

Instructions
 

  • Place the cranberries in a bowl of water, and gently swirl. Discard any that float to the surface or appear off-color. Drain well.
  • In a saucepan, mix the sugar (or honey) with water over medium heat. Stir as it warms, appreciating the subtle sweet aroma that fills the kitchen.
  • Add the cranberries, and bring to a gentle simmer. You'll hear them pop as they cook, which takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure even cooking.
  • Taste and add more honey if needed. Allow the sauce to cool and thicken; it's ready when it reaches room temperature.

Notes

This cranberry sauce recipe balances sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal companion for your holiday meals. Enjoy it fresh, or store it in the refrigerator for a few days; the flavors only deepen over time!
Keyword condiment, Cranberry, Side Dish, Thanksgiving