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Julia Childs Easy Cranberry Sauce – Holiday Side Dish Recipe

Cranberry sauce simmers fresh cranberries with sugar and water until most berries burst and the sauce thickens. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes for an even thicker texture.
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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: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries rinsed and picked over

Method
 

  1. Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the cranberries and return the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat.
  6. Let the cranberry sauce cool for at least 30 minutes; it will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, let it cool fully before serving. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days; freezer-friendly for up to 3 months. This recipe is naturally vegan, so no dietary swap is needed.