Thanksgiving, Christmas gatherings, and seasonal family celebrations call for joy, togetherness, and, of course, the perfect cranberry sauce. If you’re looking to elevate your holiday meal, look no further than a cranberry sauce recipe inspired by the Pioneer Woman herself. This recipe, adapted from “A Year Of Holidays” Cookbook, brings a delightful twist to the classic side dish with fresh oranges and pure maple syrup.
This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of cranberry sauce, ideal for larger gatherings. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, it’s easily halved to create 3 cups. One of the best parts? You can prepare this cranberry sauce up to two days in advance, making your holiday cooking less stressful. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Cranberry Sauce (Makes 6 cups):
- 24 ounces Fresh Cranberries
- 4 large Oranges
- 2 cups Pure 100% Maple Syrup
Ingredients for homemade cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, oranges, and maple syrup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Cranberry Sauce
Let’s get started on creating this flavorful cranberry sauce. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed holiday hit.
Step 1: Rinse the Cranberries
Begin by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. This removes any debris and ensures they are clean and ready for cooking.
Rinsing fresh cranberries in a kitchen sink under cold running water.
Step 2: Dry and Sort the Cranberries
Next, gently dry and sort the cranberries. Spread them out on a dishtowel placed in a sheet pan. The sheet pan prevents cranberries from rolling away, while the towel absorbs excess water.
Spreading rinsed cranberries on a dishtowel in a sheet pan for drying and sorting.
Now, sort through the cranberries, discarding any that are mushy, shriveled, or discolored. Remove any leaves or stems as well. Fresh, firm cranberries are key to the best sauce.
Sorting through fresh cranberries to remove any mushy or spoiled berries and stems.
Step 3: Zest the Oranges
Zest all 4 oranges. Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully. While some recipes use lemon, orange zest is highly recommended for this Pioneer Woman inspired version.
Zesting fresh oranges with a microplane zester over a white bowl.
Step 4: Juice the Oranges
Cut the zested oranges in half and squeeze out all of the fresh juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential for the vibrant flavor of this cranberry sauce.
Cutting zested oranges in half on a wooden cutting board.
Squeeze the juice from all orange halves. Aim for about one and a half cups of fresh orange juice. The combination of zest and juice creates a layered citrus flavor.
Squeezing fresh orange juice from orange halves using a handheld citrus juicer over a glass measuring cup.
Freshly squeezed orange juice is ready to be added to the cranberry sauce mixture.
Measuring fresh squeezed orange juice in a glass measuring cup on a kitchen counter.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
In a medium-sized pot, combine the cranberries, fresh orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Adding fresh cranberries to a stainless steel pot on a stovetop.
Pour the fresh orange juice over the cranberries in the pot.
Pouring freshly squeezed orange juice into the pot with cranberries.
Add the pure maple syrup to the pot. It’s crucial to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor and avoid artificial pancake syrups. Real maple syrup provides a rich, nuanced sweetness that complements the cranberries and oranges perfectly.
Pouring pure maple syrup into the pot with cranberries and orange juice.
Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken to your desired consistency.
Stirring cranberry sauce ingredients in a pot on the stovetop before cooking.
Step 6: Observe the Sauce as it Simmers
Initially, as the mixture reaches a gentle boil, the cranberries will start to burst open.
Cranberry sauce mixture at a gentle boil, with cranberries beginning to burst.
After simmering for about 7 minutes, the cranberries will break down further, but the sauce will still be somewhat thin.
Cranberry sauce simmering for 7 minutes, showing cranberries breaking down but sauce still thin.
Finally, after simmering for around 20 minutes, the sauce will thicken beautifully, and the cranberries will have broken down to a desirable consistency. This is when it’s ready!
Finished cranberry sauce after simmering for 20 minutes, thick and with cranberries broken down.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to several days.
Finished cranberry sauce in a clear glass serving dish, ready to be served.
Enjoy this delightful Pioneer Woman inspired cranberry sauce recipe. It’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast! Cook long and prosper, and savor the flavors of the holidays.
