Guide Note

A relish eaten almost exclusively on Thanksgiving or with holiday turkey, cranberry sauce is made with boiled, sugary cranberries, with added flavors such as juice or citrus zest.

Fast Facts

1. Cranberries pop when cooking, thickening the sauce
2. Traditionally served with Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners
3. Contains natural pectin
4. Often jellied for canning purposes, though these brands may contain gelatin

Though variations exist throughout Europe, most American cranberry sauces are sweet, with the cranberries boiled in sugar water before serving. A multitude of flavors are available to complement the sweet taste of the cranberries, and also the savory flavors of the stuffing and turkey most likely at the table.

Several submissions to All Recipes include creative seasoning ideas, including a sauce with pear and honey, and another with cloves and allspice.

Seriously Good adds orange liqueur, balsamic vinegar, broth, ginger and cayenne pepper to give the sauce a sharp, tangy taste.

1. Boil a cup of sugar water
2. Add three cups of cranberries and boil for ten minutes
3. Let cool and serve