Cranberry-Orange Sauce

Back-of-the-bag recipes aren't bad, but we found a way to make a dramatic improvement.

YIELD 9 (Makes about 2 1/4 cups)

TIME 15 minutes, plus 20 minutes cooling

Cranberry-Orange Sauce photo

Why This Recipe Works

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - The Best Rasp Graters

Before You Begin

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The cooking time in this recipe is intended for fresh berries. If you've got frozen cranberries, do not defrost them before use; just pick through them and add about 2 minutes to the simmering time. Orange juice adds little flavor, but we found that zest and liqueur pack the orange kick we were looking for in this sauce.

Instructions

1.

Bring water, sugar, orange zest, and salt to boil in medium nonreactive saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Stir in cranberries; return to boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until saucy, slightly thickened, and about two-thirds of berries have popped open, about 5 minutes. Off heat; stir in orange liqueur. Transfer to nonreactive bowl, cool to room temperature, and serve. (Can be covered and refrigerated up to 7 days; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving.)

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