Port Cranberry Sauce
With the holiday season right around the corner, nothing sparks joy quite like the bubbling scent of homemade Port Cranberry Sauce simmering on the stove. Picture this: a vibrant, shiny scarlet concoction bubbling away, redolent with the zesty essence of fresh orange mingling with the rich warmth of port. The way it thickens into a glossy glaze is simply mesmerizing, making it the perfect addition to both a classic roast turkey and cozy pork dishes.
Table of Contents
Reflecting on family gatherings, I vividly remember the laughter around the table, with plates overflowing with delicious food, and a generous scoop of cranberry sauce right on the side. It has always felt like an essential part of our celebrations, bringing that extra touch of festive spirit. Making this Port Cranberry Sauce is not only a breeze, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish, but it’s also a fabulous way to infuse your holiday meals with love and flavor. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create something unforgettable together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 25 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavor: Tart, sweet, and a touch of sophistication.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its brilliant red hue adds festive flair to any table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner thus making it a year-round favorite!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and vegan if you use plant-based sugars.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cranberries: 500g (4 cups), fresh or frozen. They give that signature tartness. If using frozen, don’t thaw—they’ll cook perfectly from frozen!
- Sugar: 300g (1 cup). This balances the tartness. Feel free to substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor twist.
- Water: 500ml (2 cups). Helps in cooking the cranberries down into a sauce.
- Mandarin Orange: 1, zest and juice. This adds a bright citrus note, elevating your cranberry sauce. If you don’t have a mandarin, a clementine works nicely, too.
- Port Wine: 125ml (1/2 cup). Adds a rich depth. If you don’t have port, marsala wine is an excellent alternative.
How to Make Port Cranberry Sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a medium pot, toss in the cranberries, sugar, water, juice, and zest of your mandarin orange. Set the heat to medium, stirring occasionally. As the mixture starts to bubble, you’ll hear the cranberries popping — it’s music to your ears! Once they begin to burst, take a sturdy spoon and mash them down gently to release more juices. This should take around 10 minutes.
Add the Wine: Pour in the port or marsala wine, stirring it in well. The mixture will continue to bubble gently. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce begins to thicken and the aromatic scent of port fills your kitchen, inviting all to come and sample.
Cool and Store: Once done, take your pot off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. As it chills, it will thicken even more, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny initially. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or container, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Storing & Reheating
Keep your Port Cranberry Sauce at room temperature for up to 2 hours post-cooking. After that, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll last for about a week. If you want to prep ahead, freeze it! It’s best used within 3 months stored in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. It might thicken a bit more, so feel free to add a splash of water if needed.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t forget to mash the cranberries; this step is crucial for releasing those wonderful juices!
- Ensure your pot is not overcrowded, as this helps in even cooking.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar gradually until it reaches your desired taste.
- For an added depth, consider adding some spices like cinnamon or ginger.
- This sauce ages beautifully; make it a few days ahead of time for the flavors to meld.
- Always taste as you go; you might want just a hint more wine!
As you create this Port Cranberry Sauce, remember it’s all about balancing flavors and having fun in the kitchen. Whether you keep it traditional or play around with spices, the end result is sure to impress.
What’s even better is how versatile this sauce is! You can spoon it over your holiday turkey, dollop it on a fresh scone, or swirl it into yogurt for a zesty kick. It’s a delightful reminder that fresh, homemade flavors can make any meal shine brighter. So go ahead—experiment, rekindle your cherished memories, and enjoy every scrumptious bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit?
Absolutely! While cranberries are traditional, you can explore using blueberries, raspberries, or even pomegranate for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that different fruits will alter the taste, so adjust sugar accordingly.
How should I adjust for taste preferences?
For a sweeter sauce, simply increase the sugar gradually and taste test as you go. If someone prefers a more tart flavor, cutting back on sugar may be the way to go.
Is there a way to make this sauce non-alcoholic?
Certainly! You can replace the port with additional water, cranberry juice, or a splash of grape juice for a similar effect, while still keeping richness in flavor.
What can I serve with Port Cranberry Sauce?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey and pork, but it’s also fantastic drizzled on cream cheese with crackers or added to desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
More Dinner Recipes
- Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Sheet Pan Meal with Veggies
- Easy Roast Turkey
- Chicken Sausage Cornbread Stuffing
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📖 Recipe Card
Port Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Port Cranberry Sauce bursts with flavor from fresh cranberries and mandarin orange, making it an irresistible addition to holiday meals and gatherings. Easy to make, enjoy a glossy red sauce that adds festive flair and complements turkey, pork, and even desserts!
Ingredients
- Cranberries: 500g (4 cups), fresh or frozen
- Sugar: 300g (1 cup)
- Water: 500ml (2 cups)
- Mandarin Orange: 1, zest and juice
- Port Wine: 125ml (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine cranberries, sugar, water, mandarin orange zest, and juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until cranberries begin to burst, about 10 minutes.
- Add port wine, stir, and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to a storage container.
Notes
If using frozen cranberries, cook them directly without thawing.
For varying sweetness, adjust the sugar to your taste during cooking.
This sauce can be made ahead of time; flavors improve as it sits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
