If you’re looking for a bright, vibrant, and slightly tangy twist on traditional cranberry sauce, the Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This luscious blend combines tart cranberries with the shimmering freshness of lemon juice and zest, balanced perfectly by a touch of sweet rhubarb strawberry fruit spread. The result is a beautiful burst of flavor and color that’s as delightful on your holiday table as it is on your everyday menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing this Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe to life. The combination is wonderfully simple, yet every component adds an essential note of flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish truly memorable.
- Water: The base liquid that helps cook the cranberries into a luscious sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart cranberries and balances the zing of lemon.
- Fresh or frozen whole cranberries: The star of the show, providing that classic cranberry crunch and tang.
- Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread: Adds a sweet and slightly tart depth with a berry twist that complements both the cranberries and lemon.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice: Injects vibrant citrus notes that brighten the entire sauce.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor, adding a fragrant, fresh aroma for extra zing.
How to Make Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Boil
Start by bringing together water and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then toss in the cranberries and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This initial step softens the cranberries and begins coaxing out their natural juices, creating the perfect foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Simmer to Thicken
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the cranberries simmer gently for about 10 minutes. During this time, the cranberries burst, releasing their vibrant color and tart flavor. The mixture thickens naturally as the fruit breaks down, preparing a luscious texture that’s beautifully balanced.
Step 3: Stir in the Sweet and Zesty Elements
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. These ingredients elevate the cranberry base with their sweet, tangy, and citrusy notes, perfectly capturing the essence of the Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe.
Step 4: Cool Before Serving
Allow the sauce to cool completely before serving. Cooling gives the flavors time to meld together and helps the sauce achieve the ideal consistency—slightly thick but still spoonable. Once cooled, it’s ready to brighten up your favorite dishes.
How to Serve Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your Lemon-Kissed Cranberries with a few fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also enhance the citrus freshness, giving an inviting look and complementing the vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or pork, providing a zesty counterpoint to rich, savory meats. It’s also fantastic with creamy mashed potatoes or even dolloped on toast or bagels for a sweet-tart breakfast treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Lemon-Kissed Cranberries in a clear glass jar or bowl to show off its gorgeous ruby hue. You can also swirl it into yogurt or spread it over cream cheese for an easy appetizer. Using it as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream makes for a spectacular presentation and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This allows the flavors to deepen even more, making each spoonful just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save the sauce for longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and you’ll have a ready-to-go flavorful sauce whenever you crave it.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Warm just until heated through—you’ll want to preserve the bright, fresh lemon notes without cooking them off.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for the Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones and are often more convenient year-round. Just add them straight into the saucepan without thawing.
Is there a substitute for Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread?
If you don’t have rhubarb strawberry spread, you can substitute with any berry jam or fruit preserves, such as raspberry or mixed berry, to maintain that sweet and tangy balance.
Can I adjust the sweetness or lemon intensity?
Yes! Feel free to reduce or increase the sugar depending on how tart or sweet you want the sauce. You can also add more or less lemon juice and zest to suit your citrus preference.
How long does this sauce keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the sauce stays fresh for up to one week. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and extend freshness.
Can Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe be served warm?
It’s best served chilled or at room temperature to highlight its vibrant flavors and perfect texture, but if you prefer warm sauce, gently heat it just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe is a delightful way to brighten your meals with a fresh, zesty twist on a classic. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or just an everyday addition, this sauce is easy to make, vibrant in flavor, and guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a treasured staple on your table!
Print
Lemon-Kissed Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Kissed Cranberries offer a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty lemon flavors, sweetened with a touch of sugar and Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread. This simple stovetop recipe yields a vibrant, tangy cranberry sauce perfect for holiday meals or as a flavorful topping for desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen whole cranberries
- 1 cup Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, mix the water and granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to warm.
- Add cranberries and boil: Stir in the fresh or frozen whole cranberries, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil to allow the berries to burst and release their juices.
- Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and soften the cranberries.
- Incorporate fruit spread and lemon: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the Rhubarb Strawberry Fruit Spread, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing thoroughly for a balanced flavor.
- Cool before serving: Let the cranberry mixture cool completely to thicken and allow the flavors to meld, serving chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can mash the cranberries slightly during the simmering step.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with turkey, pork, or as a spread on toast and desserts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup.
