So we know there are a million recipes for cranberry sauce out there, but this one is special because it’s the ONE dish I do not have to make for Thanksgiving dinner! A few years ago, Kevin asked if he could help with anything and of course I said “YES”. That is when Kevin’s Brandied Cranberry Sauce was created and I was able to check cranberry off my holiday prep list forever.
Ingredients
Fresh cranberries: A superfood filled with nutrients and antioxidents, cranberries are one of the only commercially grown fruits native to the US. If you’re going to pick a fruit to accompany your Thanksgiving dinner, this is it.
Coconut Sugar: Where this is only marginally better for you than regular sugar, it does contain a higher content of potassium and magnesium. If you do not have coconut sugar on hand, regular white sugar is just fine.
Orange Juice & Zest: We like the citrus element this adds to the cranberry sauce. If you are not a fan, maybe substitute pomegranite or cherry juice. Allergies? Leave it out completely.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is known for it’s sweet, woodsy elements but we like how this ingredient adds just a tad bit of warmth to the dish.
Brandy: This is Kevin’s added touch to the cranberry sauce recipe I’ve used for years. Brandy is added to many dishes because it improves the taste of food by enhancing the flavor. It does this by binding to the fat molecules and liquids that carry the aromas. Cognac is a perfect substitute. If you rather not add alcohol to the dish, just omit it or a good apple juice will give the same benefits. Of course, then it would not be known as Kevin’s Brandied Cranberry Sauce! ;))
Vanilla Extract: Adds a little “Hmmmm, what is that flavor” that people can’t see to figure out when they taste this cranberry sauce. There are many benefits to incorporating vanilla extract into your everyday diet. Besides making your food taste better, vanilla can actually make you feel better. Vanilla extract is rich in a plant compound called vanillin, which is rich in antioxidants, has anticancer properties, can be anti-inflammatory, and can improve brain health.
Preparation and Storage
The great thing about this cranberry sauce is that you can make it several days in advance! Just store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This makes your holiday prep just a tad easier.
This dish takes all of 5 minutes to prepare. Well, as long as it takes you to zest the orange and grab your measuring cups and spoons. Simply add all ingredients to the saucepot and bring to a boil. Allow the sauce to reduce for approximately 15-20 minutes, then cool on the stovetop.
When the sauce has cooled, place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days for optimal freshness.
Kevin and I hope you enjoy this little part of our Thanksgiving holiday tradition.
In case you missed the other Thanksgiving recipes and blogs, you can check them out here:
Honey’d Brussels with Pancetta, Pecans, and Cranberries
Staying Organized When Hosting Thanksgiving
Kevin's Brandied Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz bag Fresh Cranberries
- 3/4 Cup Fresh Squeezed (or no sugar added) Orange Juice
- 3 Tbsp Brandy
- 2/3 Cup Coconut Sugar
- 1-1/2 tsp Orange Zest
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
- If using fresh orange juice, zest one orange prior to cutting and juicing.
- Place all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
- Cranberries will begin to "pop" when they heat up. If there are whole cranberries remaining, use the back of a spatula to split them.
- Allow cranberries to cool on stove top for 20 minutes after cooking is completed.
- Place cranberry sauce in a covered container and store in refrigerator up to 7 days.
- Allow to come to room temperature prior to serving.
