This colorful cranberry sauce mixes sweet oranges and nutty amaretto. It’s a zesty twist on the classic that brightens up any holiday meal!
Honestly, it’s hard not to taste it while cooking—I might have a spoonful or two! It pairs perfectly with turkey and can even jazz up your morning toast.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are important for this sauce. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure they’re thawed before use. My family enjoys mixing in some dried cranberries for added texture, but use them sparingly.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste. I personally like a little less sugar, as the orange and amaretto add natural sweetness.
Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor. You can swap in lemon juice for a different twist, but it’ll change the flavor profile. I always zest the orange before juicing for maximum zestiness!
Amaretto: This almond-flavored liqueur enhances the flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, use almond extract, adjusting to taste since it can be quite strong.
Water: It’s mainly for dissolving the sugar and creating a syrup. You can replace it with orange juice for even more citrus flavor.
How Do I Get the Cranberries to Burst Just Right?
Cooking the cranberries until they burst is key to a perfect sauce. Start by dissolving the sugar in the orange juice and water. Then, add the cranberries and zest. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring the mixture to a strong boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the cranberries popping, which is a good sign!
- Cook until the sauce has thickened, but don’t overdo it—keep an eye on the texture.
If you like a chunky sauce, stop cooking when there are still whole cranberries. For a smoother consistency, you can mash them a bit while cooking.
Delicious Orange Amaretto Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
- 1/4 cup water
What’s the Time Commitment?
This tasty sauce will take you about 15 minutes of prep and about 10 minutes of cooking time. After cooking, let it cool for at least 30 minutes so it can thicken up nicely. All together, it’s ready for your table in about 55 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Cranberries:
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. As you rinse, keep an eye out for any soft or damaged berries, and toss those out. It’s important to use only the good ones to ensure your sauce is delicious!
2. Make The Syrup:
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, mix together the sugar, water, and fresh orange juice. Stir until the sugar disappears completely into the liquid. This creates a sweet syrup base for your sauce.
3. Cook The Cranberries:
Now, add the rinsed cranberries and the zest of one orange to the saucepan. Bring everything to a boil, then turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the cranberries popping open as they cook, which is a sign that they are releasing their juices and forming that lovely sauce!
4. Add The Flavor:
Once the sauce has thickened and the cranberries have burst, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the amaretto liqueur to give the sauce that delightful nutty flavor. This addition is what makes it extra special!
5. Cool It Down:
Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken up, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first. Give it about 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the cranberry sauce into a serving bowl and feel free to garnish it with some extra orange zest on top for a pop of color. This sauce is perfect served chilled or at room temperature, and it pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or as a sweet spread on your holiday bread!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries for This Recipe?
No, dried cranberries won’t work in this recipe as they lack the moisture needed to create the sauce. Stick with fresh or frozen cranberries for the best results!
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you find the sauce too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the sugar by half or add a bit more orange juice to balance the flavors. Just remember to taste as you go to avoid over-adjusting!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. It also freezes well! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and the flavors will continue to meld together deliciously!
