Ingredients:

  • 12 oz bag Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Orange Zest

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any soft or shrivelled berries. Measure out all other ingredients and set them aside.
  2. Create the Syrup Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, orange juice, granulated sugar, and salt. Place the pan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid comes to a rolling boil (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Add the Berries and Simmer: Pour the prepared cranberries into the boiling syrup. Wait for the mixture to return to a full boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer (medium-low). Cook, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You will hear the cranberries begin to 'pop' and soften.
  4. Finish the Sauce: As the sauce thickens and roughly two-thirds of the berries have burst, remove the pan from the heat. Gently stir a couple of times. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of fresh orange zest.
  5. Cool and Set: Transfer the hot sauce to a clean container. Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before covering it. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.