Perfect Cranberries in Red Wine Recipe: A Taste of Heaven
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will impress your guests this holiday season? Look no further than the cranberries in red wine recipe! This festive recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the richness of full-bodied red wine to create a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey or beef.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a complement to your main dish or use it as a base for a variety of other recipes, including cranberry sauce and cranberry relish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful and flavorful dish that is sure to become a holiday tradition in your household.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite bottle of red wine and some fresh or frozen cranberries, and let’s get cooking! In the following sections, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious cranberries in red wine recipe. From ingredients to substitutions and serving suggestions, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious side dish? Look no further than this Cranberries in Red Wine recipe. This recipe is not just for the holidays, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round.
Why will you love this recipe? For starters, it’s super easy to make. All you need are fresh or frozen cranberries, a full-bodied red wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and orange juice. These simple ingredients simmer together on medium heat for 30 minutes and your Cranberries in Red Wine is ready to serve!
But the best part? The flavor combination in this recipe is incredible. The sweetness of the sugar and tanginess of the cranberries are perfectly balanced with the richness of the red wine. Plus, the addition of cinnamon and orange juice adds a delightful complexity that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
This dish pairs perfectly with so many main courses – beef, steak, or even a hearty vegetarian option. Looking for a drink to pair with it? Serve alongside a glass of sangria or even mulled wine with some cranberry juice.
But don’t save this recipe for just special occasions – it’s great for weeknight dinners too! The leftovers can be used as an amazing cranberry sauce on scones, toast or even mixed into your morning oatmeal.
So why not give this Cranberries in Red Wine recipe a try? You’ll impress your guests (and yourself!) with a dish that looks and tastes like you slaved over it all day when really, it was quick and simple. Enjoy!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious Cranberries in Red Wine Recipe:
- 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup of dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Juice and zest from one orange
Don’t hesitate to use fresh cranberries for the best result. If you can’t find fresh ones, use frozen cranberries instead. For the red wine, aim for a full-bodied variety that complements the tartness of the cranberries. In addition, make sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for more flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Gather 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries and rinse them well. Set aside.
Step 2: Boil the Wine Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of dry red wine, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add in 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 strips of orange zest, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. On medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Cranberries
Once the wine sauce is boiling, add in the rinsed cranberries and reduce heat to medium-low heat. Simmer until the cranberries burst open and the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Remove from heat, and adjust to taste with additional sugar or spices if necessary. Discard cinnamon sticks and orange zest before serving. This cranberry-red wine sauce can be served hot or cold and goes best with grilled steak or roast beef.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry-red wine sauce!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for a unique twist on this recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try to make it your own:
– Wine: While a full-bodied red wine is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of red wine to achieve different flavors. Try a cabernet sauvignon or merlot for a fruitier taste, or a pinot noir for something lighter.
– Sweeteners: If you want to adjust the sweetness level of the cranberries in red wine, consider using brown sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar. You can also try swapping out the sugar for honey or agave nectar for a healthier option.
– Fruit: Want to add more fruit to this dish? Consider adding dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Or, for something sweeter, add some sliced apples or pears.
– Spices: To bring more spice into the mix, try adding nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the recipe. Cinnamon sticks can be replaced with ground cinnamon if you don’t have any on hand.
– Meat Pairings: Although cranberries in red wine is often served as a side dish with turkey during Thanksgiving season, this recipe goes well with other meat as well. It’s especially good with steak and beef dishes because the acidity helps cut through the fat.
Whatever variation you choose, remember that experimentation is key in cooking! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own.
Serving and Pairing
These cranberries in red wine are the perfect accompaniment to a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. They pair beautifully with roast turkey, ham, or beef. The tartness of the cranberries is offset by the sweetness of the red wine and sugar in this recipe.
For a vegetarian option, serve these cranberries as part of a cheese plate or alongside a roasted vegetable dish. The cinnamon sticks add a warm spice flavor that works well with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or butternut squash.
If you’re looking for a drink pairing, try serving a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet alongside this dish. The fruity undertones of the wine will complement the tartness of the cranberries.
For something sweet, consider serving these cranberries over vanilla ice cream or with a slice of cheesecake. The sweet and tart flavors of the cranberries will balance perfectly with the rich, creamy dessert.
Whether you’re looking for a savory side dish or a sweet dessert topping, these cranberries in red wine are sure to impress. Experiment with different pairings and see what works best for your taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This cranberry and red wine recipe is the perfect dish to make-ahead for all your festive occasions. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it an ideal menu item for meal prepping ahead of time.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can simply transfer the cranberry sauce into a saucepan and cook over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out. Once heated through, serve alongside your favorite main dish.
For those who want to get even more creative with their leftovers, this cranberry and red wine recipe makes a great addition to a sandwich or burger. Add it as a condiment to beef or steak dishes, mix it with some mayo for a unique sandwich spread, or even use it as a topping on turkey burgers.
Don’t let any of this delicious sauce go to waste! You can also freeze the cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to serve, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual.
Overall, this versatile recipe is perfect for anyone who wants an easy make-ahead dish that will impress guests and offer great flavor profiles throughout the week. Whether you’re using it as a side dish, adding it as an ingredient to another recipe, or simply enjoying it as is – this cranberry and red wine recipe is sure to become a favorite staple in your kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your cranberries in red wine come out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
Firstly, make sure to use a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. This will provide a robust flavor profile that will pair perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries.
When adding the cranberries to the saucepan, be sure to bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This will allow the cranberries to break down and release their juices, creating a thick and flavorful sauce.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar or maple syrup to taste. However, it’s important not to overdo it as this may overpower the natural tartness of the cranberries.
For those who prefer a spiced version of this recipe, try adding a cinnamon stick or two during the cooking process. The warm flavors of cinnamon will complement the fruity notes of the wine and cranberries.
Lastly, be sure to let your cranberries in red wine cool and store them properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together further and make for an even more delicious dish when reheated.
Following these tips will help ensure that your cranberries in red wine turn out perfectly every time, whether you’re serving them with a roast beef dinner or alongside a glass of mulled wine on a cozy winter evening.
FAQ
As a sommelier, I know that there may be some common questions regarding this recipe. Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about this cranberries in red wine recipe:
Are cranberries used in wine?
Crafting wine from cranberries is a year-round treat that strikingly balances the cranberries’ tartness while highlighting their distinct flavors. Additionally, this wine is a perfect drink to serve at gatherings or when entertaining guests.
How long does it take for cranberry juice to turn into wine?
To begin the fermentation process for this particular mixture, cover it with a lid that has a water seal and let it ferment in its primary container for a duration of 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, refrain from using an airlock for the initial 5 days while it ferments, then transfer it to a secondary container, and only then add the airlock. Regardless of the method you choose, once the mixture has been transferred to the secondary container, an airlock must be added. Proceed to let it ferment in the secondary container for a period of 6-8 weeks, following which it can be bottled.
What takes the bitterness out of cranberries?
To add a touch of sweetness to your dish, begin by mixing in some maple syrup and a teaspoon of a fruity drink such as apple juice, orange juice, or a light red or white wine. Adjust the sweetness levels as per your preference. Don’t forget to garnish it with a pinch of salt which enhances the overall sweetness.
What wine goes well with cranberries?
When it comes to pairing wines with berries that have a strong and tangy flavor profile, I recommend choosing wines that have a bright acidity, tart red fruit notes, and possibly even a hint of bitterness or floral undertones. Popular choices for this type of pairing are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Beaujolais, and red Burgundy. Additionally, you can opt for a Rosé Champagne or sparkling red wine to complement the flavors of the berries.
Bottom Line
I hope this recipe for cranberries in red wine has piqued your interest and inspired you to try it out for yourself. Not only is it an easy dish to prepare, but it’s also a versatile one that can pair well with a variety of entrees and can also be used in cocktails like sangria.
The combination of red wine and fresh cranberries creates a complex flavor profile that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving it with beef or enjoying it as a dessert topping, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make this recipe your own. Whether you use fresh or frozen cranberries, sweeten the sauce with maple syrup or brown sugar, or add orange juice or cinnamon sticks for extra flavor, there are many ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences.
So what are you waiting for? Add this cranberry and red wine sauce recipe to your list of go-to holiday dishes, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Cheers!
Cranberries in Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup dry full-bodied red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfindel)
- 3 inches piece cinnamon sticks
- 7 inches long piece orange rind
Instructions
- Pick over cranberries, removing stems and any shriveled berries.
- Rinse under running water, drain.
- Combine sugar and wine in a non-corrosive heavy medium suacepan.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly, over moderate heat.
- Stir in cranberries, cinnamon stick, and orange peel.
- Increase heat to high, return mixture to boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce to medium low heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally until berries burst - about 10- 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Discard cinnamon stick.
- Lift out orange peel, cool slightly, and cut into thin julienne strips. Return peel to berries.
- Serve warm (but good cold too.).
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