cranberry sauce Archives

You really can’t beat this cranberry sauce. It’s unbelievably delicious and so easy to make. If you’ve never made homemade cranberry sauce, now is your chance. I have made several versions over the years, but this is by far my favorite. I served this over Thanksgivukkah and it’s making another appearance for Christmas.

Cranberry sauce is really good anytime of year and it’s perfect for canning and gifting. I really want to start a homemade gift basket of my favorite healthy recipes to start giving my loved ones over the holidays. I have a laundry list of things I want to do, but sometimes I feel my day is a success if I get all three kids – including myself – showered, dressed and out of the house on time!

The addition of apple brandy really makes the flavors of this cranberry sauce pop. It’s not overpowering at all, but adds some warmth and spirit to it. It has 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup which is just the right amount of “sweet” for me. Can I be in love with a recipe? Yep! Am I super corny when I write about food? That too!

Apple Brandy Cranberry Sauce

Author: Jennifer Strohmeyer – Virtually Vegan Mama

Recipe type: Condiment

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 15 mins

This cranberry sauce is the perfect addition to your holiday table or enjoyed anytime of year.

Ingredients

1 (12) oz. bag cranberries, washed
1 cup apple juice
½ cup 100% pure maple syrup
4 tbsp Apple Brandy
¼ tsp fresh clementine or orange zest
Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Add cranberries, apple juice, maple syrup, apple brandy, orange zest and cinnamon to medium saucepan and stir. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce to a simmer and continue cooking uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the juice is thick. Remove from heat and cool. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

If you need some inspiration for some last-minute homemade gifts, check out Richa’s awesome Vegan Christmas Cookies & Jar Gifts. I am absolutely in love with these, so easy and so cute.

I was running out of ideas for the Elf on the Shelf and she saved me with these. If you are plagued with these somewhat creepy elves over the holidays, you know how easy it is to run out of ideas. Nevertheless, the kids love these little guys and they absolutely loved Cookies in a Jar!

*crappy iphone pic alert*

Does anyone make homemade/handmade gifts over the holidays?

Don’t be shy and share your thoughts, it’s more fun that way!

Happy Holidays!!

xoxo,

Jennifer

This is what’s on the menu for Thanksgiving at my house and I am proud to announce it will be my first Vegan Thanksgiving. I am really excited about this and can’t wait to see what my family thinks. This is a pretty traditional Thanksgiving sans Turkey, butter, oil and low-sodium of course. There are some major carbs here, but I have requests to deal with and I’m thankful enough I get to make it vegan!! lol =)

Here’s my Vegan Thanksgiving Menu:

Vegetable Wellington with Mushroom Gravy

Baby Spinach Salad with Shaved Apples and Cranberries – Apple Cider Dressing

Sourdough Bread Stuffing with Smoke Apple Sage Sausage and Almonds – still vegan!

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Shallots

Mashed Potatoes with Fresh Chives

Cranberry Orange Date Sauce

Pecan Pie

If I could make this twice and post it for you today I would, but that’s impossible isn’t it? Unless I was Wonder Woman, but alas I’m not =).

What I can do for you, is give you some AMAZING recipes from some fantastic blogger friends from around the web.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving recipe inspiration is just one more sentence away.

I hope you enjoy, I know I am salivating just looking at these photos!

Quinoa with Roasted Grapes and Brussel Sprouts

Photo and Recipe courtesy of the beautiful Junia over at Mis Pesamientos and you can find this wonderful recipe, along with many others HERE

Dried Fruit and Toasted Nut Stuffing and Easy Sweet Potato Puree with Maple Syrup

Who can have Thanksgiving without stuffing and sweet potatoes are always a welcome staple. Photo and Recipe courtesy of Jesse over at The Happy Go Lucky Vegan and you can find all her fabulous recipes HERE.

Healthier Sweet Potato and Apple Mash

This healthy and amazing Photo and Recipe courtesy of Badger Girl Learns to Cook. For the recipe and more cooking inspiration click HERE.

Roasted Parsnips with Cranberries and Orange

Thanks to Jessica over at Oh Cake for sharing this colorful photo and recipe for you to enjoy. You can find this and many more recipes HERE.

Michael’s Maple Cranberry Sauce with Toasted Walnuts

Is this absolutely gorgeous or what? I am definitely craving cranberry sauce right now. Thanks to Ann from Sumptious Spoonfuls for sharing this photo and recipe. Check out this recipe and more HERE.

Pumpkin Hummus

What are great idea for a fall-inspired appetizer. This is one I am definitely going to have to try. Thanks Jackie from Vegan Yack Attack for sharing your photo and recipe with us. You can find this amazing recipe and many more HERE.

Fluffy White Dinner Rolls

All I can say is *YUM* for this awesome vegan dinner roll recipe from Richa at Hobby and More. Check out this and other fabulous recipes HERE.

POM Perfect Thanksgiving Appetizer: Muhummara

This looks so fresh, delicious and absolutely wonderful. Thank you Kathy from The Colors of Indian Cooking for letting me share your photo and recipe. Get the recipe HERE.

Cranberry Salsa

Never would have thought to make a Cranberry Salsa. What an inventive recipe from Linda at Savoring Every Bite. Thanks for sharing this beautiful photo and recipe. Get the recipe HERE.

Thanks to everyone for sharing these wonderful recipes. I might have to change my menu and make some of these instead.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

xoxo,

Jen