Absolutely addictive, Cranberries in Red Wine is the perfect side dish for your Turkey dinner. You’ll need Just 5 ingredients and mere minutes to put together this versatile and delicious dish.

I know that Thanksgiving traditions can not be changed easily. Most families have their favorite dishes that must be on the table or it’s not Thanksgiving. It’s not the time to try a bunch of new recipes or switch out a favorite dish for something new. But throwing in a new cranberry side dish shouldn’t upset the day too much. Of course you can still open a can of cranberry sauce and serve both.

There are so Many Ways to Use Cranberries in Red Wine….

I first made this dish over 30 years ago based on a recipe I saw in the now defunct Cuisine Magazine. What I love about this recipe is that I can use it so many ways beyond a dollop next to the turkey. It’s great spread on a “leftovers” sandwich, my husband loves to mix it into yogurt, I put it on scones with clotted cream. it makes a killer Cranberry Linzer Tart and it’s the perfect topping for White Chocolate Cheesecake.

Even better, it couldn’t be easier to make. Put everything in the pot, cook for about 10 minutes, cool and refrigerate. I like to use a light to medium bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.  There’s no reason to use a very expensive wine for this recipe, but do use something good enough to drink.

Once the cranberries start popping, simmer for 10 minutes. They’ll foam up a bit.

Anyway, if you’re looking for a new recipe to slip into the mix on Thursday give this a try.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cranberries in Red Wine

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Absolutely addictive, Cranberries in Red Wine is the perfect side dish for your Turkey dinner. You'll need Just 5 ingredients and mere minutes to put together this versatile and delicious dish.

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Ingredients

• 1 bag (12 oz, 340g)) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups (12 oz, 340g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (8 oz, 236ml) light to medium bodied red wine (Pinot Noir or Zinfandel works well)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• zest from 1 orange peeled in a long strip (avoid using white pith)

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium high until the wine begins to boil and the cranberries start to pop.
3. Reduce the heat to medium -low and continue cooking for about 10 minutes (see note).
4. The majority of the cranberries should have popped and the mixture will be a little thicker.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and cool to room temperature.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick and orange zest.
7. If you'd like you can slice the orange zest into thin strips and return to the sauce. I just take it out.
8. Place in a covered container and chill for several hours. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
9. The cooked cranberries will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes

The longer you cook the mixture the firmer the sauce will be when cooled.

You might also like:

Cranberry Linzer Tart

Gingerbread Scones

Buttermilk Biscuits

Easy Chicken Stock

Mashed Potato Craisin Bread

White Chocolate Cheesecake