I can’t quite believe it, but there are only 5 days to go until Christmas! Today is Day 9 of the Free From and Festive blogging event organised by the lovely Caleigh (a.k.a. GlutenFree[k]). Today’s theme is Cranberry Sauce, and I chose to do this one as I’ve made the Cranberry Sauce every year in my family, right from when I was little. It’s so easy to make, and I’ve always loved having my own special ‘job’ on Christmas morning.
The recipe has been tweaked a little over the years. The addition of an apple improves the texture of the sauce and helps sweeten it slightly, as cranberries are naturally quite bitter. This sauce isn’t as sweet as one you might buy in a jar, but it’s full of natural cranberry flavour that compliments any festive meal perfectly. Plus, it adds a little cheerful colour to your plate!
So here it is, my Cranberry and Apple Sauce.
Cranberry and Apple Sauce
250g fresh cranberries
1 cooking apple, chopped into small pieces
125ml water
50ml apple juice
2 – 3tbsp soft light brown sugar
Put the cranberries and the apple in a saucepan. Add the water and bring to the boil.
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The fruit should soften and break down to form a thick jam-like consistency. Stir in the apple juice and sugar and remove from the heat.
Tip
How sweet you like your cranberry sauce is a personal preference. As a rough guide I would say that 2 – 3 tbsp makes a pleasantly sweet sauce that still retains the natural flavour of the cranberries. Add more or less to taste.
Leave to cool before either putting in a bowl ready to serve or putting in a sterilized jar if made in advance.
If you haven’t done so already, check out the other Free From and Festive days here. Lots of brilliant festive ideas and recipes from lots of lovely free from bloggers.
Fran x
