Vibrant Tangy Sweet Cranberries (Print)
Bright, tangy-sweet cranberry compote ideal for enhancing desserts, breakfasts, and meats.
# What You Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1 medium orange, zest and juice
→ Sweeteners
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
→ Spices
04 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
05 - ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Liquids
06 - ¼ cup water
# How to Make:
01 - Rinse cranberries thoroughly and discard any soft or damaged ones.
02 - Place cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and water in a medium saucepan.
03 - Heat over medium flame until mixture reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
04 - Lower heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until cranberries pop and mixture thickens to desired consistency.
05 - Taste and modify sugar if necessary, then remove from heat. Allow to cool to further thicken.
06 - Present warm or chilled as a versatile topping for desserts, breakfasts, or roasted dishes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It transforms a humble handful of berries into something that feels fancy enough to serve guests, yet so simple you won't stress about it.
- The tartness of cranberries combined with orange and warm spices creates a flavor that's sophisticated without being fussy.
- It keeps beautifully in the fridge and works equally well drizzled over cheesecake at midnight or spooned onto your morning yogurt.
02 -
- Don't overcook it into jam; you want it thick but still with some texture and a slight slump when you spoon it, not a stiff paste.
- The compote will continue to thicken as it cools, so if it looks slightly loose while still warm, that's actually perfect.
- Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh and sometimes even better because they're already partially broken down.
03 -
- If you're cooking for someone and want to show off, add a splash of vanilla extract or a small handful of dried fruit like raisins or chopped dried apricots—it adds depth without changing the essential character of the compote.
- Room temperature compote tastes brighter and more complex than cold compote, so if you make it ahead, let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving to fully appreciate the spice and citrus.