Elevate Your Cranberry Sauce: Delicious Recipes Featuring Dried Cherries
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple, a holiday classic, and a condiment that can brighten up many meals throughout the year. While the traditional recipe is delicious, there’s always room for innovation! Adding dried cherries to your cranberry sauce can transform it into a more complex, flavorful, and sophisticated side dish. The tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweetness and chewy texture of dried cherries, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This article explores several dried cherry and cranberry sauce recipes, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you create the perfect accompaniment for your holiday meals or everyday dishes.
## Why Add Dried Cherries to Cranberry Sauce?
Before diving into the recipes, let’s discuss why adding dried cherries to cranberry sauce is a fantastic idea:
* **Enhanced Flavor:** Dried cherries introduce a deeper, richer sweetness compared to traditional cranberry sauce recipes that rely solely on sugar. They also offer a subtle almond-like flavor that complements the tartness of cranberries.
* **Improved Texture:** Dried cherries add a delightful chewy texture to the sauce, contrasting nicely with the smooth, slightly gelatinous consistency of the cranberries.
* **Nutritional Boost:** Dried cherries are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, adding nutritional value to your cranberry sauce.
* **Visual Appeal:** The vibrant red color of dried cherries enhances the visual appeal of the sauce, making it more attractive on your table.
* **Versatility:** Dried cherries pair well with other complementary ingredients like citrus zest, nuts, spices, and even a touch of alcohol, allowing for endless recipe variations.
## Basic Dried Cherry Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This is a simple yet delicious recipe for incorporating dried cherries into your cranberry sauce. It serves as a great foundation for more elaborate variations.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 cup water
* ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference)
* ½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
* 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, dried cherries, orange zest (if using), and salt.
2. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.
4. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some people prefer a tarter sauce, while others prefer it sweeter. You can also use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
* **Dried Cherries:** Use good-quality dried cherries for the best flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different types of dried cherries, such as tart cherries or sweet cherries.
* **Orange Zest:** Orange zest adds a bright citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries and cherries. You can also use lemon or lime zest.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a warm, festive flavor.
* **Nuts:** Stir in ¼ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
* **Alcohol:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of orange liqueur, Grand Marnier, or bourbon for a boozy kick. Add it after the sauce has finished simmering.
## Spiced Dried Cherry Cranberry Sauce
This recipe incorporates warm spices for a more complex and festive flavor profile.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 cup water
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, dried cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, orange zest, and salt.
2. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
4. **Cool and Serve:** Remove from heat and let cool completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. Start with the suggested amounts and add more if desired.
* **Fresh Ginger:** Add a small piece of grated fresh ginger for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
* **Star Anise:** Add one or two star anise pods while simmering for a subtle licorice flavor. Remove the star anise before serving.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute half the sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
## Dried Cherry Cranberry Sauce with Port Wine
Adding port wine elevates the cranberry sauce with a sophisticated and fruity depth.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 cup water
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
* ¼ cup port wine
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, dried cherries, orange zest, and salt.
2. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
4. **Add Port Wine:** Stir in the port wine and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Remove from heat and let cool completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Port Wine:** Use a good-quality ruby port for the best flavor. You can also use tawny port for a nuttier flavor.
* **Other Liqueurs:** Experiment with other liqueurs like Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or brandy.
* **Orange Juice:** Substitute some of the water with orange juice for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
* **Dried Currants:** Add ¼ cup of dried currants for extra sweetness and texture.
## Cranberry Cherry Sauce with Balsamic Vinegar
This recipe offers a tangy twist by incorporating balsamic vinegar, which balances the sweetness and tartness of the other ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 cup water
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, dried cherries, orange zest, and salt.
2. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
4. **Add Balsamic Vinegar:** Stir in the balsamic vinegar and simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Remove from heat and let cool completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** Use a good-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. Avoid using cheap, watery balsamic vinegar.
* **Brown Sugar:** Substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
* **Rosemary:** Add a sprig of fresh rosemary while simmering for an herbaceous flavor. Remove the rosemary before serving.
* **Black Pepper:** Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
## Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cherries and Walnuts
This recipe adds crunch and nutty flavor with the inclusion of walnuts, creating a satisfying texture and a well-rounded flavor profile.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 cup water
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
* ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, water, sugar, dried cherries, orange zest, and salt.
2. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
4. **Stir in Walnuts:** Stir in the toasted walnuts.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Remove from heat and let cool completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Nuts:** Use other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of walnuts.
* **Toasting Nuts:** Toasting the nuts before adding them to the sauce enhances their flavor and texture. To toast nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
* **Citrus Juice:** Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon juice for a brighter citrus flavor.
* **Gingerbread Spice:** Add ¼ teaspoon of gingerbread spice for a warm and festive flavor.
## Serving Suggestions for Dried Cherry Cranberry Sauce
Dried cherry cranberry sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes:
* **Thanksgiving Dinner:** The classic pairing! Serve it alongside turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and other traditional Thanksgiving fare.
* **Roast Chicken or Turkey:** The tartness of the sauce cuts through the richness of roasted poultry, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
* **Pork Tenderloin or Chops:** The sweet and tart flavors complement pork beautifully.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:** Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce to your grilled cheese for a gourmet twist.
* **Brie Cheese and Crackers:** Serve cranberry sauce with brie cheese and crackers as an appetizer or dessert.
* **Yogurt or Oatmeal:** Stir a spoonful of cranberry sauce into yogurt or oatmeal for a healthy and flavorful breakfast.
* **Pancakes or Waffles:** Top pancakes or waffles with cranberry sauce for a special brunch treat.
* **Leftovers:** Use leftover cranberry sauce in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
## Tips for Making the Best Dried Cherry Cranberry Sauce
* **Use Good-Quality Ingredients:** Fresh cranberries, high-quality dried cherries, and good-quality spices will make a big difference in the flavor of your sauce.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the sauce can make it too thick and gummy. Simmer it until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness, spices, and acidity to your liking.
* **Let it Cool Completely:** Cranberry sauce thickens as it cools, so be sure to let it cool completely before serving.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. There’s no need to thaw them before using them in the recipe.
**Q: Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?**
A: Yes, cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after it has had a chance to sit and the flavors have melded together. You can make it up to a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
**Q: How long does cranberry sauce last?**
A: Cranberry sauce will last for up to a week in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.
**Q: Can I freeze cranberry sauce?**
A: Yes, cranberry sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
**Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?**
A: While you can, dried cherries provide a different texture and concentrated flavor that is ideal for cranberry sauce. Fresh cherries will add moisture and may require adjusting the cooking time and sugar level.
**Q: What can I do if my cranberry sauce is too tart?**
A: If your cranberry sauce is too tart, add more sugar or other sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, to balance the flavor. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
**Q: What can I do if my cranberry sauce is too thick?**
A: If your cranberry sauce is too thick, add a little water or orange juice to thin it out. Heat it gently and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
## Conclusion
Adding dried cherries to cranberry sauce is a simple way to elevate a classic dish and create a more flavorful and interesting side dish. With these recipes and tips, you can create the perfect dried cherry cranberry sauce to complement your holiday meals or everyday dishes. Experiment with different variations and find your favorite combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!