Hands down the best stuffing! So good it will be hard to allow any other…
Cranberry Berry Sauce
The most underrated holiday condiment gets a lighter and fresh makeover. Leaving you feeling a bit “sweet” when eating all those heavy favorites.
I can’t get through a cranberry post without making a Friends TV show reference (actually I’m sure this is one of many posts that only us super-fans will get). Cranberry sauce – it’s the easiest thing to make on the holidays, super underrated, yet, most people would fuss if it wasn’t on the table. When it stands out though, I can see why Chandler had such dedication to it.

I think cranberry sauce is like the “pallet cleanser” between the geographical regions of the plate. Everything at MOST holiday feasts includes butter, salt and starch. Fruit really would make us all feel better but no one wants to bring that to the table on a cheat day holiday. It’s so easy to boost the flavor in cranberry sauce. It also makes a great leftover and can be used in so many creative ways (see below).

I admit that this year I was leaning out the fridge. I had bought berries for a cocktail (that I never made), and some OJ for an Asian dinner. I constantly remind myself “waste not, want not”. I knew these berries would add to an experimental opportunity regarding the holiday condiment. And guess what…IT WORKED! So much so that my mom made the recipe for Christmas. What was even more appealing was the fact that we didn’t use the cup of sugar that the cranberry bag recommended…wow….
So, just when you think you can’t get your antioxidants while eating stuffing and turkey…I give you… Cranberry Berry Sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz.) bag fresh cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup raspberries
- ¼ cup blueberries or blackberries
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1 medium orange zested, sliced
- 1-1 ½ teaspoons zero calorie sweetner
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan, add all berries, orange juice, (vanilla) and water. Zest an entire orange and then slice. Place the slices in the same pan.
- Cover and cook on medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Cook on low, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes. Remove orange slices and add zero-calorie sweetener. Stir and remove from heat.
- Allow to rest, uncovered, and sauce will slightly thicken.
Notes
-
- There is nothing wrong with topping off any and all holiday leftovers with the sauce. It’s great the next day.
- My favorite – If you’re tired of leftover sauce, add a dollop of cranberry sauce in the bottom of a champagne flute and top with your favorite bubbly and even a splash of OJ for a holiday mimosa.
- Top a block/roll of goat cheese or cream cheese with leftover cranberry sauce and sprinkle on some pistachios or any type of nut.
- Simply make your own Thanksgiving leftover sandwich and spread cranberry sauce on a piece of toasted bread before piling on all the favorites.
Nutrition
