I was never much of a fan of cranberry sauce as a kid, but I like it now, especially if it’s homemade. When I reviewed the book In Winter’s Kitchen by Beth Dooley a few years ago, I found a recipe for cranberry sauce which I decided I had to try, since I’ve never made homemade cranberry sauce.
In Winter’s Kitchen is not actually a cookbook, although there is a small recipe section at the back of the book. It’s part memoir—the author shares stories of her family’s past Thanksgiving meals and winter meal traditions—and part informational guide to the local food movement Dooley discovered when she relocated years ago from New Jersey to Minnesota. She provides lots of information and insight on the benefits of eating locally–grown, fresh, organic, in-season foods. The book is very well-written and very informational if you are wanting to learn more about farm-to-table foods. I definitely enjoyed reading it!
I made a few minor changes to the original recipe, and I really love the flavors in this cranberry sauce—it’s sweet, but not too sweet and has a slight cranberry tartness. It’s much, much better than the sauce you buy in a can and it’s so easy to make, so hopefully you’ll get a chance to try it out sometime during the holiday season!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE by NancyC, adapted from In Winter’s Kitchen
Makes about 2 cups
3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
1/2 cup apple cider or orange juice (I used apple cider)
1/2 cup sugar, honey, or maple syrup (I used 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 maple syrup)
In a medium saucepan, bring the cranberries and cider (or orange juice) to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the berries have popped open, about three to five minutes. Stir in the sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
NOTE: The original recipe doesn’t say to do this, but after stirring in the honey and maple syrup, I continued to simmer the mixture an additional 5 minutes, then let it cool. The mixture will thicken as it cools, and then you can transfer the sauce into a small serving bowl.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
Not only does this cranberry sauce taste great, it adds a nice touch of tradition to winter meals. Are you a fan of cranberry sauce?
Sharing at Meal Plan Monday, Farmhouse Friday, Weekend Potluck, Full Plate Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Wow Me Wednesday, Homestead Blog Hop, Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party, Wonderful Wednesday, Hearth & Soul, Inspire Me Monday.
NancyC 
Happy Thanksgiving. You sauce looks wonderful.
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Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving to you too! 🙂
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Beautiful! Nothing better than homemade cranberry sauce.
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I’m with you on that, Dorothy! 🙂
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Thanks for the recipe! I’m definitely a cranberry sauce fan, but have never been ambitious enough to make it myself. I should probably get ambitious soon and do it. :o) Happy Thanksgiving!
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Yes, you should try it—you’ll be surprised how easy it is! Happy Thanksgiving to you too! 🙂
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Happy Thanksgiving
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We sure enjoyed featuring your awesome post this week and thanks so much for sharing it with us at Full Plate Thursday,567. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Miz Helen
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Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas too, Miz Helen!
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