Maple Cranberry Sauce

This maple cranberry sauce is the answer to my years-long quest for the perfect naturally sweetened holiday garnish.

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How to make maple cranberry sauce

Combine three simple ingredients, plus water: cranberries, maple syrup, and fresh orange zest.  Cook briefly to thicken, then enjoy. What could be simpler?  

Even better, make this recipe in advance to save time on the day of your big holiday meal.  It keeps well in the fridge for at least several days.

How to use maple cranberry sauce

Make it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you have a hankering for a sweet and tangy sauce.  Serve the leftovers with any type of meat, layer it on a sandwich, or stir it into yogurt or oatmeal.

I love the simplicity of this maple cranberry sauce recipe and how quickly it comes together.  You can make it in minutes and then stash it in the fridge a day or two before you’ll need it.  It’s the perfect make-ahead recipe!

More real food recipes for Thanksgiving:

• Brined & Smoked Turkey
• Garlicky Green Beans
• Mashed Cauliflower Faux-tatoes
• Paleo Chocolate Pie with Gelatin
• Paleo Key Lime Pie
• Kid-Friendly Holiday Mocktail

Maple-sweetened cranberry sauce

I love maple syrup in this recipe, but you could also use raw honey.  And a bit of orange juice would work nicely, too.  If you add orange juice, just decrease the amount of water.

You should also feel free to experiment with the amount of syrup or honey.  We are a low-sweetener household, and 1/3 cup works perfectly for us.  

I hope your family enjoys this maple cranberry sauce!

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Maple Cranberry Sauce

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• Author: Kathleen | Roots & Boots
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
• Category: Sauces, Dips, & Spreads

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Description

This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you have a hankering for a sweet and tangy sauce.  Serve the leftovers with any type of meat, layer it on a sandwich, or stir it into yogurt or oatmeal.

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Ingredients

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• 12 ounces cranberries (1 bag)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest (from 1 orange)

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Instructions

1. Combine cranberries, maple syrup, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat, stir in orange zest, and allow to cool.  The sauce will thicken even more as it cools.

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