Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Did you know it only takes about 15 minutes to make your own cranberry sauce?  I love making my own, that way I can tailor the ingredients to echo the flavors of my turkey.

Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C and high in antioxidants-one more reason to eat more cranberries!

Yield:  Makes about 2 1/2 cups


 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 12-ounce package fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1-2 teaspoons orange zest
Pinch of salt




Combine the orange juice and sugar in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.  Add the cranberries.  Simmer until the berries burst, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh rosemary and salt.  Cool completely.

You can make this recipe 3 days ahead, cover and refrigerate.

VARIATIONS:
1 cup water
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 12-ounce package fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of salt

1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup light brown sugar
1 12-ounce package fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Fresh pomegranate seeds (optional)
Pinch of salt