Holiday Helper Headquarters #7

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Think outside of the car and make your own fab cranberry sauce!

It's super easy to make!  Also, it's a great dish to bring to a holiday dinner as a guest.

I made this last year to take to my parents' house and no one touched the canned stuff!

Ingredients

• 3 cups or 12oz package of Cranberries - believe me one bag is enough you will have extra!
• 1/2 cup Sugar or Splenda 
• 1 cup Water or Orange Juice - The OJ gives it a kick and is definitely a talking point at the table - hmmm I taste a hint of something what is it ...

Now time to make the Cranberry Sauce:

Stove-Top Directions

1. In a medium sauce pan, bring the water (or OJ) and sugar (or Splenda) to a boil. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar.  
2. Add the cranberries to the boiling water (or OJ).  
3. Bring the water back to a boil. When the cranberries have burst, reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes or until the desired consistency.
4. While in the pan - use a potato masher or a hand mixer to make a smoother sauce - if you like it chunky skip this step.
5. Remove the pan from the stove and let cool to room temperature.
6. Put the cooled cranberry sauce in a medium bowl and let completely chill in the refrigerator.
7. Store covered in the refrigerator - will last for up to three weeks.

Crock Pot Directions

1. Line your crock pot with a crock pot liner - found in your local grocery store near the sandwich/freezer bags.  
2. Combine the cranberries, sugar (or Splenda) and water (or OJ).  Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours - the tell-tale sign that it's done is that the cranberries have popped.
3. While in the crock pot - use a potato masher or a hand mixer to make a smoother sauce - if you like it chunky skip this step.  Also, if you use a crock pot liner and the hand mixer make sure you don't rip the plastic and defeat the purpose.
4. Remove the crock pot basin from the heating element and let cool to room temperature.  If your's doesn't remove just let it sit until room temperature.
5. Put the cooled cranberry sauce in a medium bowl and let completely chill in the refrigerator.  
6. Store covered in the refrigerator - will last for up to three weeks.

Great gift idea: Place in Mason or Jelly Jars!

Enjoy!