Best Alton Browns Cranberry Sauce Recipes

Cranberry sauce is an essential part of any Thanksgiving dinner table. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meal that complements dishes like roasted turkey and stuffing perfectly. Alton Brown, a renowned chef, author, and television personality, has a unique recipe for cranberry sauce that has become quite popular among food enthusiasts.

The Ingredients

What makes Alton Brown's cranberry sauce recipe so special is the use of unconventional ingredients. Apart from the traditional cranberries, water, and sugar, Brown's recipe also includes apple, orange, cinnamon, and cloves. These ingredients add layers of flavor and complexity to the sauce, making it more than just a simple condiment.

Cranberries

Cranberries are the star of the show in this recipe. They are packed with antioxidants and have a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of other ingredients. Brown's recipe calls for 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, which are readily available in grocery stores during the holiday season.

Apples

Adding apples to the recipe adds a natural sweetness to the sauce. Brown uses one medium-sized Granny Smith apple, which has a tart and crispy texture, making it a perfect ingredient for the sauce. You can also use other varieties of apples, but make sure they are firm and tart.

Oranges

Oranges add another layer of complexity and sweetness to the sauce. Brown uses one medium orange for his recipe. The zest and juice of the orange give the sauce a bright citrus flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries.

Cinnamon and Cloves

Cinnamon and cloves are warm, aromatic spices that pair well with cranberries. Brown uses one cinnamon stick and two whole cloves to add a subtle spicy flavor to the sauce.

Sugar and Water

Sugar and water are the standard ingredients used to sweeten and liquidize the cranberry sauce. Brown uses one cup of sugar and ¾ cup of water for his recipe, but you can adjust the sweetness according to your taste.

The Technique

Apart from the unique ingredients, Brown's cranberry sauce recipe also uses a distinctive technique to make the sauce. He makes the sauce in a pressure cooker, which significantly reduces the cooking time and enhances the flavors of the dish.

Cooking the Ingredients

To make the cranberry sauce, Brown suggests adding all the ingredients into the pressure cooker and cooking them on high heat for five minutes. Once the cooking time is over, he recommends performing a natural release of pressure, which means allowing the cooker to release pressure on its own without manually releasing the pressure.

Blending the Sauce

After the pressure has been released naturally, Brown advises blending the ingredients in a blender or food processor until the sauce is smooth. You can leave some chunks if you prefer a chunky sauce.

Chilling and Serving

Once the sauce is blended, Brown suggests refrigerating it for at least four hours before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together. You can serve the sauce cold or at room temperature, alongside other Thanksgiving dishes.

Conclusion

Alton Brown's cranberry sauce recipe is a unique and flavorful take on a classic Thanksgiving condiment. The use of unconventional ingredients and the pressure cooker technique make this recipe stand out from other standard cranberry sauce recipes. Follow the recipe, and your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills and your ability to elevate this simple side dish.

Alton Brown is a famous American television personality, food show host, and cookbook author, known for his innovative and scientific approach to cooking. He has popularized the use of unconventional methods and tools to make cooking easier, more precise, and more fun. One of his most famous recipes is the cranberry sauce, a Thanksgiving and Christmas staple that can be made in a variety of ways. In this article, we will discuss valuable tips for making Alton Brown's cranberry sauce recipes, without giving the actual recipe. Tip 1: Choose the right cranberries The success of your cranberry sauce recipe greatly depends on the quality of your berries. Fresh, plump, and firm cranberries are the best choice, as they will have a more intense flavor and a better texture. Avoid berries that are soft, wrinkled, or discolored, as they may have gone bad or lost their nutritional value. When buying cranberries, look for packages that are free of blemishes, dents, or bruises. A good trick is to shake the package gently, and listen for the sound of the berries colliding. If you hear a hollow or rattling sound, it may indicate that the berries are old, dry, or damaged. On the other hand, if you hear a soft, muffled sound, it may indicate that the berries are fresh and juicy. Tip 2: Use the right cooking method There are several ways to cook cranberries, including boiling, simmering, roasting, and grilling. Each method has its pros and cons, and can produce different textures and flavors. However, Alton Brown's cranberry sauce recipe usually involves simmering the berries in a mixture of water, sugar, and spices until they burst and thicken, creating a sweet and tangy sauce. To make sure your cranberry sauce is perfectly cooked, pay attention to the temperature and the timing. Too much heat or too little time can burn, overcook, or undercook the berries, resulting in a bitter or mushy sauce. Too little heat or too much time can also prevent the berries from bursting and releasing their juices, resulting in a dry or lumpy sauce. Tip 3: Add complementary flavors Cranberry sauce is a versatile condiment that can be customized to suit your taste and occasion. While Alton Brown's cranberry sauce recipe is simple and classic, you can enhance its flavor by adding complementary ingredients such as spices, herbs, citrus, nuts, or alcohol. These ingredients can add depth, complexity, and balance to your sauce, and pair well with a variety of foods, from turkey to cheeses to desserts. Some popular flavorings for cranberry sauce include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, orange zest, lemon juice, walnuts, pecans, brandy, port, and red wine. However, you should use these ingredients in moderation, and taste your sauce frequently to adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the cranberries are the star ingredient, and should not be overpowered or masked by the additions. Tip 4: Texture matters The texture of your cranberry sauce can greatly affect the enjoyment of the dish. Depending on your preference, you can make your sauce chunky, smooth, or somewhere in between. While most people prefer a slightly chunky texture that allows them to savor the whole berries, some prefer a smoother texture that can be spread or spooned easily. Alton Brown's cranberry sauce recipe usually yields a medium-chunky texture, but you can adjust it by blending the sauce with an immersion blender or a food processor. To ensure a balanced texture, you should also pay attention to the sugar and liquid ratios. Too much sugar can make the sauce overly sweet and sticky, while too little liquid can make the sauce dry and lumpy. A good rule of thumb is to use one cup of sugar and one cup of liquid (water, juice, or wine) for every 12 ounces of cranberries. You can also substitute some of the liquid with honey, maple syrup, or molasses, for a deeper flavor and color. Tip 5: Presentation matters Lastly, but not least, the presentation of your cranberry sauce can make a big difference in the overall impression of your dish. Whether you serve it in a bowl, a jar, or a mold, you should make sure it looks appealing and appetizing. One way to do that is to decorate the sauce with some fresh herbs, spices, or fruits, such as rosemary, cinnamon sticks, or pomegranate seeds. Another way is to serve it in a colorful container that contrasts with the sauce's color, such as a white bowl or a red glass. You can also arrange some crackers, bread, or fruits around the sauce, to encourage your guests to experiment with flavors and textures. Conclusion: Making Alton Brown's cranberry sauce recipe can be a fun, rewarding, and delicious experience, if you follow these valuable tips. By choosing the right berries, using the right cooking method, adding complementary flavors, paying attention to the texture, and presenting it in an appealing way, you can create a sauce that will impress your family and friends, and make your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast even more special. So, go ahead and experiment with your own variations and adaptations, and let your creativity and taste buds guide you!