Cranberry Jezebel Sauce: A Festive Flavor Explosion

The holidays are a time for togetherness, heartwarming traditions, and, of course, delicious food. And what better way to elevate your holiday feasts than with a vibrant, tangy, and subtly sweet Cranberry Jezebel Sauce? This isn’t your grandma’s cranberry sauce – oh no, this is an explosion of flavor that will leave your guests begging for more. Imagine the burst of tart cranberries mingling with the bright citrus notes of orange, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and a hint of warm spice – perhaps even a delightful kick of bourbon if you’re feeling adventurous. This Cranberry Jezebel Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, ham, pork loin, or even as a surprising twist on your favorite vanilla ice cream. It’s a show-stopper, a conversation starter, and a taste of holiday magic all rolled into one sensational sauce.

This recipe isn’t just about creating a delicious sauce; it’s about crafting a culinary experience. From the initial simmering aromas filling your kitchen to the final spoonful of chilled delight, making Cranberry Jezebel Sauce is an enjoyable and rewarding process. It’s a recipe that’s easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to experiment with different spices, nuts, and liqueurs to create your own unique signature sauce. This year, ditch the canned cranberry sauce and embrace the delightful adventure of homemade Cranberry Jezebel Sauce. Your taste buds, and your holiday guests, will thank you.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jezebel Sauce Recipe

This Cranberry Jezebel Sauce recipe is a game-changer for your holiday table, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The unique blend of tart cranberries, sweet orange, crunchy pecans, and a hint of spice creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The optional bourbon or orange liqueur adds an extra layer of depth and complexity.
• Effortless Preparation: This recipe is remarkably easy to follow, even for novice cooks. With minimal prep time and simple cooking steps, you’ll have a delicious sauce ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Accompaniment: Cranberry Jezebel Sauce is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, and pork, complements savory dishes like stuffing, and adds a delightful twist to desserts like ice cream and pound cake. It’s a true culinary chameleon!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can make this sauce ahead of time! In fact, the flavors actually deepen as it chills, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Simply prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant color and jewel-toned texture of this sauce make it a stunning addition to any holiday spread. Serve it in a beautiful bowl or alongside your main course for an elegant touch.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your palate. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or even add a splash of ginger or allspice for a unique twist. This recipe is your culinary playground!

For more delicious holiday recipes, check out our Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad, perfect for a lighter side dish.

Why You Should Try This Cranberry Jezebel Sauce Recipe

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, there are many compelling reasons to give this Cranberry Jezebel Sauce recipe a try:

• Elevate Your Holiday Feast: Tired of the same old cranberry sauce? This recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and friends with its unique flavor profile and sophisticated presentation.
• Impress Your Guests: This Cranberry Jezebel Sauce is a conversation starter. Its vibrant color and delicious taste will be a topic of discussion throughout your holiday gathering.
• Showcase Your Culinary Skills: Making homemade Cranberry Jezebel Sauce demonstrates your care and attention to detail, adding a personal touch to your holiday meal.
• Healthy Ingredient Choices: This recipe uses fresh cranberries, which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. The addition of nuts provides healthy fats and fiber.
• A Recipe to Remember: This recipe will quickly become a cherished holiday tradition, year after year. The delicious memories you create while making and sharing this sauce will be as memorable as its flavor.
• Perfect for Gift-Giving: Why not share the joy? Prepare extra Cranberry Jezebel Sauce and package it in pretty jars as thoughtful and delicious homemade gifts for friends and family. They’ll love it!

For another delicious and easy recipe, try our One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup – a crowd-pleaser anytime.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Cranberry Jezebel Sauce

Gathering the right ingredients and tools ensures a smooth and successful cooking experience. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Detailed List of Ingredients:

• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (12 ounces): The star of the show! Fresh cranberries offer a brighter flavor, but frozen cranberries work just as well and are often more convenient. One 12-ounce bag is typically enough for this recipe.
• Orange Juice (1 cup): Provides sweetness and acidity, complementing the tartness of the cranberries. Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal, but bottled juice will work in a pinch.
• Sugar (1 cup): Balances the tartness of the cranberries. The exact amount might need adjusting depending on the sweetness of your cranberries and your personal preference. Start with 1 cup and add more to taste if needed. This is crucial for creating a perfectly balanced Cranberry Jezebel Sauce.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (1/2 cup): Adds a wonderful textural contrast and a nutty flavor. Pecans are traditional, but walnuts provide a slightly different flavor profile.
• Orange Zest (1/4 cup): From about one large orange. Provides a bright, intense citrus aroma and flavor that elevates the sauce. Use a microplane zester for the finest zest.
• Bourbon or Orange Liqueur (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a delightful kick and complexity to the sauce. Bourbon pairs exceptionally well with cranberries, but orange liqueur offers a more citrusy note. Omit if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Remember to account for alcohol evaporation during cooking. If using this, we recommend an orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a more refined taste.
• Ground Cinnamon (Pinch, optional): Adds a warm, comforting spice note. A pinch is all you need; too much cinnamon can overpower the other flavors.

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Medium Saucepan: A sturdy saucepan with a thick bottom is best to prevent burning. This will be the workhorse of your Cranberry Jezebel Sauce making.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce while it simmers. Wooden utensils are less likely to scratch your saucepan.
• Microplane Zester: For zesting the orange. This tool produces the finest zest, capturing the maximum amount of flavor and aroma.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the pecans or walnuts.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve (optional): If you prefer a completely smooth sauce, you can use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or pieces of zest after cooking.
• Airtight Container: For storing leftover Cranberry Jezebel Sauce in the refrigerator.

Having the right tools, such as a good quality saucepan, makes a significant difference in the final outcome of this recipe.

Detailed Steps for Making Cranberry Jezebel Sauce

Let’s embark on the delicious journey of making Cranberry Jezebel Sauce. Follow these steps closely for a perfectly balanced and flavorful result:

Step 1: Combining the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, chopped pecans or walnuts, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using). If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. This simplifies the process significantly. Gently stir to ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated. Don’t worry about fully mixing everything at this stage; a gentle stir is sufficient.

Step 2: Bringing the Mixture to a Boil

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The cranberries will initially resist breaking down, so be patient and stir gently, especially at the beginning to avoid scorching at the bottom of the pan. The heat is crucial in this process as it will begin to release the juices from the cranberries.

Step 3: Simmering the Sauce

Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. This is where the magic happens. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst open and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent sticking and burning. This is the most critical stage for preventing scorching and uneven consistency. The cranberries will gradually soften and burst, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce.

Step 4: Incorporating Alcohol (Optional)

If you’re using bourbon or orange liqueur, stir it into the sauce during the last minute of cooking. This allows the alcohol to cook off slightly, leaving behind a delightful aroma and subtle flavor. Be cautious when adding the alcohol as the mixture might bubble up slightly. We recommend a slow and gentle stir to avoid accidental splashing. The optional addition of alcohol significantly enriches the flavour and provides a sophisticated twist to the classic sauce.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. This is a key step in achieving the desired consistency; allowing the sauce to cool undisturbed helps to enhance its texture. Once the sauce has cooled to room temperature, you can transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it until ready to serve. It’s delicious served chilled or at room temperature and pairs well with almost anything.

Tip: For an extra smooth Cranberry Jezebel Sauce, you can carefully blend the cooled sauce with an immersion blender.

Tips and Variations for Cranberry Jezebel Sauce

Here are some handy tips and exciting variations to personalize your Cranberry Jezebel Sauce:

• Adjust Sweetness: If your cranberries are particularly tart, you might need to add more sugar. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger, allspice, cloves, or nutmeg for a unique twist. A small pinch goes a long way; add sparingly and taste as you go.
• Nutty Alternatives: Instead of pecans or walnuts, try using other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios. Each will impart a unique flavor to the sauce. Toasted nuts add a deeper, richer flavor.
• Citrus Variations: Use other citrus fruits like mandarins or blood oranges for a unique flavor profile. The zest and juice of these fruits provide a variety of flavor profiles and enhance the overall sensory experience.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Simply omit the bourbon or orange liqueur for a delicious alcohol-free version. The sauce will still be incredibly flavorful and delicious.
• Make it Ahead: Prepare the sauce 1-2 days in advance. Its flavor will deepen as it chills, making it even more delicious. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Thickening Tip: If the sauce is too thin after simmering, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it. Alternatively, you can incorporate a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.

For another delightful dessert recipe, check out our Marzipan Cookies.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Cranberry Jezebel Sauce

While this Cranberry Jezebel Sauce is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients:

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings): (Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approximately 200-250
• Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams
• Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams (depending on the type of nuts used)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams

Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins, which are known for their potential health benefits. They may help boost immunity and protect against certain infections. Cranberries are known for their urinary tract health benefits.
• Oranges: Excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant essential for immune function. Oranges also contain fiber, which aids digestion. The Vitamin C content is beneficial for overall health and well-being.
• Pecans/Walnuts: Good sources of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. These nuts contribute healthy fats to the diet and enhance the nutritional profile.

Remember that the nutritional content will change based on the exact ingredients and quantities used. Enjoy in moderation.

FAQs about Cranberry Jezebel Sauce

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Cranberry Jezebel Sauce!

This Cranberry Jezebel Sauce recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that will transform your holiday table. With its vibrant colors, delightful textures, and unforgettable flavors, this sauce is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts and citrus fruits to create your own unique variation. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Share your pictures on Pinterest and tag us! Happy cooking and happy holidays!

Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes on our blog, like our Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for a comforting classic.

Cranberry Jezebel Sauce: A Festive Twist on Classic Cranberry

This vibrant Cranberry Jezebel Sauce is a delicious twist on traditional cranberry sauce, boasting a delightful blend of sweet cranberries, zesty orange, crunchy pecans, and a hint of bourbon (optional). Perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday enjoyment.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Sauce, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 ounces Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
• 1 cup Orange Juice
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste depending on cranberry tartness
• 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
• 1/4 cup Orange Zest (from about 1 large orange)
• 1/4 cup Bourbon or Orange Liqueur Optional
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Optional

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

Instructions

1. Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, pecans, orange zest, and cinnamon (if using) in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Frozen cranberries do not need to be thawed.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. If using bourbon or orange liqueur, stir it into the sauce during the last minute of cooking. Allow the alcohol to cook off slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

This sauce is delicious with roasted turkey, ham, chicken, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the cranberries after cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.