Cranberry Sauce

There is serious debate over which is the best Thanksgiving condiment: cranberry sauce or gravy. I’m a sweets person through and through so naturally I prefer cranberry sauce. I love the combination or savory turkey and sweet cranberry sauce. Growing up, my Nonna always made her own cranberry sauce. Years ago when I asked her why she went to the trouble of making it, she said it was better than the stuff that comes in a can and it was incredibly easy to make. So, I figured I would try it. I have now been making this recipes for years. It’s sweet and citrusy with a slightly spiced flavor. Even Nonna approved of this cranberry sauce. After trying this recipe, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again. You can also make this recipe a couple days in advance which I love!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh cranberries
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 orange, zested and juiced

Directions:

Add the cranberries, sugar and water to a medium sized pot and place over medium heat. Stir together until the sugar is incorporated. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add in the cinnamon stick, allspice and nutmeg then mix together. Lower the heat and simmer for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Some of the cranberries with burst during this time which is exactly what we want. Finally, add in the orange zest and juice. Stir and remove from heat. Allow cranberry sauce to thicken and cool. Then refrigerate until ready to use.