Spiced Orange and Rosemary Cranberry Sauce is the perfect addition to your holiday table. Its balance of tart and sweet with a hint of spice makes it a standout dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, adding a fresh, homemade touch to any meal.
Cranberries are the star here; they bring a tartness that balances the sweet and spicy elements. Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce, while freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest add a bright citrus note. Water helps dissolve the sugar and cook the cranberries. Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg provide warm, cozy spices, and fresh rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic depth to the sauce.
This cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a nut roast or over baked brie. It’s also fantastic as a sandwich spread, especially with leftover turkey or ham.
First, you'll want to rinse your cranberries. Make sure to pick through and discard any that look damaged or squishy — nobody wants those in their sauce. Next, grab a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Combine the sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and water. Stir it all together gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture is going to be the sweet base for our sauce.
Now for the fun part: adding the cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the rosemary sprigs. Toss them into the saucepan and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened up nicely.
Once it’s done, take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Before serving, don’t forget to fish out the rosemary sprigs — they’ve done their job infusing the sauce with flavor. Now you’re ready to impress your guests with this delightful homemade dish!
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