Crazy Easy Cranberry Sauce

It is really crazy how simple homemade cranberry sauce is to make. I have a couple of variations of it for you below, including one for those of you addicted to the canned jellied cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Sauce ... simplified.
So, here's the basic recipe. Don't blink, because it's quick. Two ingredients ... one bag of fresh cranberries ... one cup of sugar ... one large pot over medium heat. That's it ... I swear!

Cranberry Sauce ... fancified.
Now you can add all sorts of other goodies in 1/4 cup increments. Here's a short list: chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, raisins, blueberries, orange juice, or even bourbon (for those with a wild streak). A pinch of orange zest will give it more of a cranberry citrus flair.

Cranberry Sauce ... beautified.
When serving, add a little sprig of rosemary or mint to finish off your fancy homemade cranberry sauce.

For those of you that like to keep it quick and simple, here are the easy steps illustrated for you.

The Ingredients ... just two.

Cranberries & Sugar. The pumpkin was just for fun. :o)

Add your ingredients to a large pot and set at a medium heat.

As the cranberries heat up, they will start to pop. (Major stainage, so wear an apron or crummy shirt). As they pop, the juice will mix with the sugar creating the jelly-like sauce. For a "saucier" sauce, add 1/4 cup of water.

Now, as much as I love homemade and going au' naturale ... sometimes it's hard to beat a flavor you grew up with around the holidays. Even if it comes in a can. I picked up some leaf-shaped cookie cutters that work great to help mask the "can" shape and creates a little more fun. It might also be a great activity for kids to help out in the kitchen.

See! How fun are they!?

Got any other great cranberry recipes or ideas? Let us know!

--Rachelle

Tremain Street Cottages