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Flavorful Cranberry Orange Sauce with Port Wine

cranberry orange sauce with port wine - featured image

A tangy and sweet cranberry sauce enhanced with fresh orange zest and port wine, perfect for holidays or everyday meals. This easy homemade recipe balances tart cranberries with sweet citrus and warm spices for a luscious, versatile condiment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries (340 grams)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (120 ml)
  • 1/3 cup port wine (80 ml)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and pick out any stems or soft berries. Zest the orange carefully, avoiding the white pith, then juice it for fresh orange juice.
  2. In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Pour in the port wine, then add the cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally as the mixture heats up. Simmer for about 8-10 minutes until cranberries start to pop and the mixture bubbles.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for another 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened and coating the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove the cinnamon stick and, if desired, blend or strain the sauce for a smoother texture.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness by adding more sugar or orange juice/water as needed.
  8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Use fresh orange zest for best flavor. Stir gently and avoid high heat to prevent burning. For a smoother sauce, remove the cinnamon stick and blend or strain. Substitute port wine with red wine and brandy or grape juice with vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on stovetop, avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sauce, orange zest, port wine, holiday sauce, easy cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry sauce, festive sauce