CLASSIC CRANBERRY SAUCE

Classic Cranberry Sauce image

Nothing beats the puckery-sweet jolt of cranberry sauce. It's a sharp knife that cuts through all the starchy food on the menu. This recipe is for the traditionalists.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories condiments, sauces and gravies, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

4 cups whole cranberries
6 tablespoons sugar
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup orange juice or Grand Marnier (optional)
2/3 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Steps:

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, 2 cups water, the sugar and salt. Let the sauce boil until it thickens; the water will evaporate and the pectin in the cranberries will be activated as it cooks. Let it boil for at least 10 minutes, and up to 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir in juice or liqueur, if using, then cover sauce well and chill. Sauce can be made up to this point 1 week in advance and kept refrigerated. A few hours before serving, stir in the pecans, if using.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 119, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 0 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 75 milligrams, Sugar 23 grams