Elevated Apple Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine Recipe
Introduction
This Elevated Apple Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine is a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite. Combining tart cranberries, sweet apples, and rich port wine, it’s perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion. The caramelized sugar adds depth and a beautiful glossy finish.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup ruby port wine
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Let it melt without stirring until it turns a rich caramel color, about 3–5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the cranberries and sea salt, gently stirring with a rubber spatula to combine. Cook until the cranberries just start to soften.
- Step 3: Add the thinly sliced apples and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, stirring to coat all the fruit in the caramel sauce.
- Step 4: Pour in the port wine, reduce the heat to low, then add the orange zest and juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a spoon to gently break up some of the apples and cranberries to thicken the sauce.
- Step 5: Transfer the sauce to a serving dish. If not serving immediately, allow to cool and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Warm gently on low heat before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spiced version, add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cloves during cooking and remove before serving.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, pulse the cooled mixture briefly in a food processor before reheating.
- Substitute port wine with apple cider or cranberry juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Storage
Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Add them directly to the pan and extend the cooking time slightly until they soften.
Is it necessary to caramelize the sugar first?
Caramelizing the sugar adds a deeper flavor and beautiful color to the sauce, but you can also start by dissolving the sugar in the port and citrus juice for a simpler version.
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Elevated Apple Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
Description
This Elevated Apple Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine is a sophisticated twist on the classic holiday condiment. By caramelizing sugar before adding fresh cranberries, apples, and aromatic orange zest and juice, then simmering with ruby port wine, it develops a rich, deep flavor and luscious texture perfect for pairing with festive meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup ruby port wine
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
Instructions
- Caramelize Sugar: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the granulated sugar. Allow it to melt without stirring for about 3-5 minutes until it reaches a rich caramel color.
- Add Cranberries and Salt: Gently stir in the fresh cranberries and sea salt using a rubber spatula. Cook until the cranberries just begin to soften.
- Add Apples: Incorporate the thinly sliced apples and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring to coat all the fruit thoroughly in the caramel sauce.
- Add Port Wine and Orange: Pour in the port wine, reduce the heat to low, then add the orange zest and juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, breaking down some of the fruit to thicken the sauce.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the sauce to a serving dish. If not serving immediately, cool completely and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Warm gently on low heat before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture and flavor.
- Caramelizing the sugar first adds a deep, nutty sweetness to the sauce.
- Gently break down the apples during simmering to achieve the desired consistency.
- The sauce pairs beautifully with turkey, pork, or as a topping for desserts.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry sauce, apple cranberry sauce, port wine sauce, holiday sauce, autumn condiment, turkey accompaniment
