I just made this delicious and so easy cranberry sauce. Countdown to Thanksgiving taking the pressure off Thanksgiving day or the day before it is so relieving to start preparing dishes in advance. This will keep in an airtight jar up two weeks in fridge or two months in freezer.

3 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed) or frozen (not dried)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup fresh apple cider (optional – if not…substitute with another 1/4 cup water)
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Zest of one orange
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup of sugar – optional – I did not add sugar
Pinch salt

In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring water, orange juice, cider and sugar if using. Stir and add cranberries, orange zest, salt and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer up to 20 minutes at this time I spooned out 1/2 cup of the juice to use in salad dressing. Continue to simmer and with a hand masher press down on cranberries until 1/3-1/2 are slightly mushy. Let cool and transfer to an airtight container. (I like to keep the cinnamon stick in there….for look and flavor!)

Bon Appétit & Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 🍁

Reserved juice for salad Dressing