Cranberry Tangy Sweet Topping (Printable Version)
Tangy-sweet cranberry topping with orange and vanilla notes, ideal for enhancing many dishes in minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
→ Sweetener
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons orange juice
04 - 2 tablespoons water
→ Flavorings
05 - 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
07 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step:
01 - In a medium saucepan, mix cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water.
02 - Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries start to burst, about 8 to 10 minutes.
03 - Stir in orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt to the saucepan.
04 - Continue simmering for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Remove from heat and allow to cool; topping will thicken further.
06 - Serve warm or chilled over preferred dishes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This topping feels like sharing a bright burst of autumn sunshine with a friend
- Its versatility quickly made it my go-to for lifting simple meals into celebrations
02 -
- Be patient allowing the cranberries to pop during simmering — that's where the magic begins
- Mashing or blending the sauce after cooking offers a smoother texture that feels like velvet on the tongue
03 -
- Don't rush the simmering — those popping berries release natural pectin that thickens the sauce
- Using fresh orange zest instead of dried makes a subtle yet game-changing difference