Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apricots, Raisins and Orange

This is a simple recipe for fresh, homemade cranberry sauce made with real cranberries. It is a must-have for your next holiday dinner.

As Thanksgiving nears, this cranberry sauce is a holiday classic that deserves a place on your table.

Cranberry Sauce with Apricots, Raisins, And OrangePhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

Our chestnut-stuffed Thanksgiving turkey will again take center stage this year. However, the side dishes are as important as the turkey itself.

Let me introduce you to my homemade cranberry sauce.

This is the most straightforward recipe yet so full of flavor.

A perfect complement to your roasted turkey. The pairing of the sweetness of the apricots and the bitter bite of the cranberries just burst into your mouth, and you cannot get enough.

Ready in fifteen minutes, it will store well in your refrigerator for several months.

I had never tasted cranberry sauce while living in France. Therefore, seeing it at the table for my first two Thanksgiving dinners was a surpriseThe difference in taste is pretty amazing.

Long story, but not knowing what Thanksgiving was all about, my first ever in the USA, my mom and I accepted two invitations on the same day. Suffice it to say we were pretty full by the evening.

That was my introduction to two versions of the sauce. It was intriguing to see a cranberry sauce right out of a can with all the markings around it. As well as a homemade version. The difference in taste is pretty amazing.

Since that famous Thanksgiving so many years ago, I have made it my mission only to offer my guests and family a homemade version.

Once I learned how easy it was, and fifteen minutes is the perfect recipe for the seasoned or novice cook to bring to the table, I never looked back.

Why you will love this cranberry sauce recipe

This recipe is fail-proof, and soon, it will be your favorite Thanksgiving recipe as well.

• This cranberry relish will be ready in 15 minutes.
• Besides the cranberries, all the ingredients are staples in the kitchen.
• It stores well in the refrigerator, so you can make it beforehand.
• The leftovers will last a couple of months in the refrigerator.

Cranberry Sauce with Apricots, Raisins, And OrangePhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

Orange peel

I have on this recipe the use of dry orange peel. This is for a deep flavor as it is concentrated, and that will stay with the cranberry sauce recipe. Easy to use.

With that said, you can use fresh orange peel. Slice a couple of rinds from your fresh orange. Please make sure that they are at least one inch wide.

Add them to your ingredients and remove them once ready to use your cranberry orange relish.

The combination of orange juice and orange zest is amazing with this sauce.

Cranberry Sauce with Apricots, Raisins, and OrangePhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

Ingredients needed to make your cranberry orange relish

Fresh cranberries – the star of this relish. Before using them, wash them and go through them to remove any damage or debris. You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen cranberries. They take a few minutes longer to burst.

Dried apricots – add a layer of flavor and works wonderfully with the cranberries and the orange juice.

Golden raisin – my favorite has they will plump up with the orange juice and the natural cranberry juice

Water – needed to cook your homemade cranberry sauce

Orange juice – I enjoy the pulp with my orange juice. However, use any orange juice you have on hand if you want it.

Orange peel – I have used the dry as they are easy to prepare with this recipe. However, with that said, if you want to use fresh orange peels, do so, but remove them before serving.

Granulated white sugar – gives the sweetness needed to balance against the bitterness of the cranberries.

Can cranberry sauce be made in advance?

Yes! Cranberry sauce requires at least two hours in the refrigerator to thicken and set properly.

However, you can make this holiday dish up to a week beforehand. Just make sure it is stored in an airtight glass container.

Suggestions for the leftovers – if you have some

Bring it back to room temperature and enjoy it with:

• I love to warm up the cranberry sauce and pour it over vanilla ice cream. It’s a bit different but so yummy.
• Try it as a jam in the morning with your English muffin or Sourdough bread.
• Peanut butter and cranberry sauce sandwich. You will love it.
• Turkey slices or ham, Swiss cheese, and Cranberry sauce in a warm croissant. Spread some mustard and mayo, and you have a fantastic lunch.
• And, of course, the always welcome turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving. A must-do affair at our house.

You may also want to add:

This recipe lets your imagination go wild and add your favorite spice and candied fruits to give it your own holiday spin. However, this recipe can be enjoyed all year long.

• Cardamon will give it a nice bite to it
• Candied pineapples chopped into small chunks
• Add a cinnamon stick while cooking. Remove after the cranberry is cooled off
• Half of a pear or apple cut into large chunks
• Ginger: powder or crystals chopped fine. Ginger can be a bit overpowering as a flavor, thus caution when adding and do it slowly by steps.
• Brandy, Bourbon, Whiskey, Calvados, pick one of your favorites
• Dark rum with candied pineapples and cinnamon will give it a fantastic Caribbean flavor to it

My Cranberry Sauce With Apricots, Raisins And Orange is published on GiangisKitchen.com

Ingredients needed to make this recipe:

• 4 cups (about 1 1/3 12-ounce package of cranberries
• 1 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
• 2 cups sugar

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a heavy large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat, cover, and boil cranberry pop, stirring for about 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until cold (the mixture will thicken as it cools)
2. It can be made four days ahead. Keep chilled.

If you enjoy this dish, check out these flavorful recipes:

Dried Cranberry Chocolate Cookies

Pork Chops with Cranberry, Wine and Cream Sauce

Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

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Meet Chef Giangi

Cranberry Sauce with Apricots, Raisins and OrangePhoto byGiangi's Kitchen - Giangi Townsend

I am a passionate cook, recipe developer, author, and food photographer with 14 years of food blogging experience. Inspired by my French and Italian heritage, I work with other chefs, both foreign and domestic, and have had countless discussions with chefs at famous restaurants globally. I enjoy sharing these creative culinary delights in simple, straightforward, easy-to-understand recipes