Easy Cranberry Sauce

Name: Easy Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces cranberries (3 cups), thawed if frozen; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; Finely grated zest of 1 medium orange; Juice of half a medium orange

Cranberry Sauce Sauces Cranberries Christmas Thanksgiving New England Healthy Vegan Vegetarian Lemons Oranges Fruit Turkey Make Ahead Holidays Sugar Fall Easy

Save (139)

Rate

8 servings Easy

(5) Total: 35 mins Active: 5 mins

PREVIOUS: Tart Cranberry Pie NEXT: Jellied Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients (4)

12 ounces cranberries (3 cups), thawed if frozen
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 medium orange
Juice of half a medium orange

Nutritional Information

Calories101
Fat0.08g
Saturated fat0.01g
Trans fat
Carbs26.21g
Fiber2.31g
Sugar22.52g
Protein0.38g
Cholesterol
Sodium0.94mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (8 servings) Powered by

Tip

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

1 of 3

Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Tip

What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

2 of 3

Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Tip

How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

3 of 3

Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a bowl of cranberry sauce. Instead of serving the one you have to shimmy out of a can, though, you can make your own in just about half an hour. Added bonus: It’ll taste better, too, less sugary, and with a delicious orange fragrance sure to elevate the holiday spread.

Make-ahead note: The cranberry sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator and let come to room temperature before serving.

For a step-by-step tutorial, see The Basics: How to Make Cranberry Sauce. And for more recipe ideas, check out our Cranberry Relish, Cranberry Conserve, and Jellied Cranberry Sauce.

by Chowhound Editors

What to buy

T-fal Specialty Nonstick 3-quart Saucepan

Copy: This T-fal 3-quart Saucepan can be used for making sauces to boiling or steaming vegetables or cooking pasta.
Buy on Amazon ›

Instructions

1Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the cranberries are soft and start to fall apart, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool—the sauce will thicken as it cools.

Load Comments

Recommended from Chowhound

How to Serve Cranberry Sauce

(00:45)

Presented by Real Simple

Canned cranberry sauce is tradition at many Thanksgivings, and for good reason. Why make homemade if your family has been enjoying the slices of store-bought canned cranberry sauce for years? But what exactly is canned cranberry sauce?