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Cranberry Orange Sauce with Brown Sugar

Cranberry orange sauce with brown sugar simmers on the stovetop until glossy, slightly thickened, and full of burst berries. Orange juice and finely grated zest give this easy sauce a bright citrus flavor; serve it warm or chilled.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 0.75 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp orange zest finely grated
  • 1 bag (12 oz) cranberries fresh or frozen, rinsed and picked over

Equipment

  • 1 2-quart saucepan

Method
 

  1. Combine the water, orange juice, brown sugar, and orange zest in a 2-quart saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Stir in the cranberries and return to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the berries have burst and the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for at least 30 minutes; it will thicken further as it cools.
  6. Serve warm or cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Notes

For the glossiest texture, stir occasionally while simmering and let the sauce cool so it thickens. Refrigerate covered for up to 1 week; freeze for up to 2 months.