Why I love this cranberry sauce recipe
There was nothing I liked more about celebrating the holidays in France than the vin chaud. It was sold at all the Christmas markets and even at most of Marc’s hockey games during the holiday season, so naturally, when the Christmas season is approaching, I can’t help but crave it.
But, since I refuse to start Christmas-ing until after Thanksgiving (with the exception of Christmas cookie testing), I thought it might be nice to infuse our Thanksgiving cranberry sauce with some mulled wine flavor.
Plus, who doesn’t want to put wine in their cranberry sauce? No one. It’s the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving meal, whether its large or small. Although, you may want to double the recipe if you’re having more than 8 people.
If you like this recipe, you have to try these apple butter pork chops, and this homemade stuffing recipe and this roasted spatchcock chicken.
Searching for more cranberry recipes? easy cranberry bars / cranberry salsa / cranberry relish recipe / cranberry applesauce
Ingredients & substitutions
- Star anise – This beautiful spice is star-shaped with a licorice-like flavor. You can usually find it by the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in the spice isle at your local grocery store.
- Red wine – Try a dry red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon – these wines have rich, fruity flavors that complement the spices and tartness of the cranberries.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
How to make spiced cranberry sauce
Boil. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, bring all ingredients to a boil. You can bundle the aromatics into a cheesecloth or a tea ball to make it easier to remove them later, trust me it’s a good idea.
Simmer. Reduce the heat and allow the contents to simmer for at least 20 minutes. When the sauce has thickened to the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Remove the aromatics from the cranberry sauce and transfer to a serving dish.
Save the leftover wine and spice and try making this vin chaud, you won’t regret it.
FAQS and tips for making homemade cranberry sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cranberries
- 3/4 – 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup red wine
- Peel of one navel orange
- 1 star anise
- 3 whole cloves - or 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick - or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have popped and sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes.
- Allow cranberry sauce to cool completely or refrigerate overnight. Remove orange peel, cloves, anise and cinnamon stick before serving.
