Make it a Berry Good Christmas

I love cranberry sauce.  Turkey just isn't turkey without it.  Even the day after, for me a left-over turkey sammie just isn't complete without the cranberry sauce.  I grew up on the standard Ocean Spray jellied canned cranberry sauce and to me there was always the lingering taste of tin and the cloying taste of sugar.  Over the years I have learned that making cranberry sauce from fresh berries is really a very easy thing to do and the difference is definitely worth the small effort that it takes.  

Inspired by the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail, this version of Cranberry Sauce kicks it up  a notch with the addition of Vodka & orange liquor.   The first time I made this Cranberry sauce I was surprised at how much more tartness the cranberries took on and the rave reviews made this recipe the “go to” for Cranberry sauce.  To add to the presentation I serve it in a martini glass, rimmed with course sugar and a slice of lime.

The “Cosmo” Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

1 - 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries

1 Cup Sugar

½ cup of water

½ cup of orange juice (preferably fresh squeezed)

1/3 cup of Vodka

3 tbsps. of orange flavoured liqueur (Grand Marnier,  Triple Sec)

Directions:

In heavy medium saucepan over moderate heat, combine cranberries, sugar, ½ cup water and ½ cup of orange juice.  Bring to boil, stirring often to dissolve sugar, then reduce heat to moderately low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened and reduced to about 3 cups, about 15 minutes.

Transfer to medium bowl and cool, stirring often, until tepid, about 30 minutes. Stir in vodka and liqueur. Transfer to serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 2 hours.  Because of the natural acidity of cranberries, this sauce can be made up to 3 weeks ahead.  Just keep it refrigerated. 

Variations:

The alcohol can easily be omitted if you are worried about making this a child friendlier recipe.  Add a dash of orange zest and a couple of whole cinnamon sticks when boiling/simmering the sauce.  Remove cinnamon sticks after sauce has cooled.