Delicious Cabernet Cranberry Sauce for Holiday Feasting
Are you looking for a festive, easy-to-make addition to your holiday table? Look no further than this Cabernet Cranberry Sauce recipe! Made with fresh cranberries and dry red wine, this sauce is bursting with rich, bold flavors that will complement any turkey, ham or vegetarian main course. It’s also versatile enough to use in sandwiches, dressings, and gravies throughout the season.
Not only is this Cranberry sauce delicious, but it’s quick and easy to make. So whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll have no trouble whipping up this sauce in no time. The recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
I’ve been making this sauce for years now, and I’ve never had anyone not love it. It’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family, too! So gather your ingredients and let’s get started on creating this delicious Cabernet Cranberry Sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a new way to spice up your holiday feasts? Look no further than this Cabernet Cranberry Sauce recipe!
There are a lot of cranberry sauce recipes out there, but this one takes things up a notch with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The bold and robust flavor of the wine pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries, creating a truly unique taste that will have your guests asking for seconds (and thirds).
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a medium saucepan, you’ll have a batch of homemade cranberry sauce in under 30 minutes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add in some blueberries to create a flavorful twist on traditional cranberry sauce.
But perhaps the best thing about this recipe is its versatility. It’s not just for turkey dinner – try it on top of pancakes or waffles for a brunch treat or use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
So why settle for plain old canned cranberry sauce when you can impress your guests with this easy and delicious Cabernet Cranberry Sauce recipe? Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff again.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need in order to make this Cabernet Cranberry Sauce Recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or dry red wine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest plus half juice of one orange
Optional Ingredients for Variations:
Cabernet Cranberry Blueberry Sauce Ingredients:
- 6 ounces frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or dry red wine
Cranberry Blueberry Sauce Ingredients:
- 6 ounces fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 oz. fresh or canned kumquats
Other Common Substitutions and Additions:
- Substitute lemon juice for orange juice and zest
- Use figs instead of cranberries for a unique sauce
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients let’s jump right into making the Cabernet Cranberry Sauce Recipe.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Turn on the heat to medium-high and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Next add 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, 6 ounces of frozen blueberries, a cinnamon stick, 1 tsp of orange zest, and 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
Step 3: Cook Ingredients
Cook the mixture over medium heat until the cranberries and blueberries burst and the sauce thickens, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Use a spoon to remove any foam that forms on top.
Step 4: Cool Down
Remove the pan from heat once the sauce has thickened properly, discard the cinnamon stick and let it cool for about an hour at room temperature.
Step 5: Chill
Once your sauce has cooled down completely transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
And there you have it! A perfect Cabernet Cranberry Sauce that is sure to impress your guests at any dinner party.
Substitutions and Variations
Cabernet Cranberry Sauce Recipe is a classic addition to any holiday meal that adds both depth and tang of flavors. However, if you want to add some variation or make substitutions according to your taste preferences, there are a few options. Firstly, you can use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries to save time and effort. If you’re using canned cranberry sauce, try adding half a cup of chopped kumquat, which gives the sauce a burst of flavor and enhances its citrus notes.
If you’re looking to switch up the wine in the recipe, try using other varieties of dry red wine such as Merlot or Pinot Noir. These will give your Cabernet Cranberry Sauce a slightly different taste and texture that you might enjoy. If you want to add some heat to the recipe, try adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to create a new twist on the classic recipe, consider making a Cranberry Blueberry Sauce by substituting half of the fresh cranberries with frozen blueberries. This adds a sweet touch and deepens the color of the sauce for an eye-catching presentation on your holiday table.
Another variation option you can go for is trying out other fruits like figs instead of cranberries. Simply substitute the cranberries with figs in equal parts and add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for each fig used. The result will be an aromatic and sophisticated sauce that pairs well with cheese plates and roasted meat.
No matter what substitution or variation you choose, do not forget to adjust sugar and spice levels accordingly by tasting periodically as it simmers down in the pan. Get creative and tailor this classic recipe according to your individual tastes!
Serving and Pairing
Cabernet cranberry sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. It’s essential to note that the cabernet in this sauce adds another layer of flavor that elevates it from the traditional cranberry sauce.
The sweetness and tartness of the cabernet cranberry sauce pairs exceptionally well with savory dishes like turkey, pork, or lamb. You can also serve it as a glaze on roasted vegetables or add it to cheese boards for some extra zing.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing the cabernet cranberry sauce with spicy dishes like chicken wings or meatballs. The cranberry’s tartness and cayenne’s heat complement each other perfectly, making your mouth water for another bite.
For a classic pairing, serve the cabernet cranberry sauce with a glass of cabernet sauvignon. The wine’s tannins match perfectly with the sweet and tart flavors of the sauce for an unforgettable taste sensation. A red wine cranberry sauce will also work well with any dry red wine that complements tangy dishes.
Overall, the Cabernet Cranberry Sauce recipe gives you the perfect opportunity to experiment with food pairings and find your new favorite combination.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Cabernet Cranberry Sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it over medium heat on the stove with a splash of water or orange juice until it comes back to its original consistency.
If you want to make this sauce ahead of time and freeze it, we recommend making the sauce without the fresh cranberries. Freeze the sauce for up to six months and then add one cup of fresh cranberries during the reheating process.
When storing this sauce, make sure it is fully cooled before putting it in the refrigerator to avoid condensation buildup in the container. You can also portion out the sauce into smaller containers for easy reheating and serving.
If you find yourself with leftover Cabernet Cranberry Sauce after your holiday feast, don’t worry! This versatile sauce can be used on toast, as a topping for ice cream, or as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork. The possibilities are endless!
Overall, this Cabernet Cranberry Sauce recipe is perfect for those who like to plan ahead and enjoy delicious flavors that get even better with time. So go ahead and make this sauce now, and impress your guests with its rich flavors at your next holiday gathering!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect cabernet cranberry sauce, you’ll want to follow these tips for a luscious and flavorful recipe.
Firstly, it’s essential to use fresh cranberries for this recipe as they have a higher pectin content than frozen berries. The pectin is essential for thickening the sauce and creating that perfect consistency.
Secondly, ensure that you are using a good-quality cabernet sauvignon as this will give your sauce depth in flavor. A cheap wine will detract from the taste of the dish.
Thirdly, don’t overcook the cranberry sauce as it can become too thick and lose its vibrant color. Simmer the sauce until the berries burst, then remove from heat.
Fourthly, make sure to allow enough time for the sauce to cool before serving. This step is important as it allows the flavors to meld together fully.
Fifthly, if you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a cinnamon stick during cooking.
Sixthly, if you want to include blueberries in your cranberry sauce, add them halfway through the cooking process. Blueberries cook faster than cranberries, so they’ll break down more quickly.
Lastly, once you’ve made an outstanding cabernet cranberry sauce, try pairing it with different dishes such as roasted turkey, baked ham or even spread on toast.
By following these tips, you’ll create an exceptional cabernet cranberry sauce that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cabernet cranberry sauce recipe is an excellent choice for your next holiday gathering or special occasion. The combination of fresh cranberries, cabernet wine, and a touch of citrus gives the sauce a rich and complex flavor that will impress your guests.
With its versatility, you can pair this sauce with a variety of dishes, including roasted turkey, baked ham, or even grilled pork chops. It’s also easy to store and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient and delicious addition to any meal.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try out our variation of the recipe with blueberries. The addition of blueberries gives the sauce a new depth of fruitiness that will leave your taste buds in awe.
Overall, whether you’re a fan of homemade cranberry sauce or prefer the canned variety, this cabernet cranberry sauce recipe is worth giving a try. With its simple ingredients and foolproof instructions, you can create a unique and flavorful sauce that will be the star of your dinner table. So go ahead and impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering recipe – you won’t regret it!
Cabernet Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cabernet sauvignon wine (almost any red wine will work)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 12 ounces bag fresh cranberries
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch cayenne
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Add the sugar to a sauce pan. Pour in the orange juice, wine, zest, cinnamon stick and spices. Bring that up to a simmer on medium heat. When it's simmering, add the cranberries. Bring back up to a simmer, and the berries will start to "pop." Simmer for about 10-12 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken and the berries will have all popped and collapsed.
- Add a 1/4 cup of cold water and turn off the heat. Don't worry if a couple berries didn't pop, as they will break down as the sauce is cooled and stirred. Take out the cinnamon stick. As the sauce cools it will get very thick. Cool to room temperature, stir, and refrigerate until needed. This will keep for several weeks.
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