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Sage Red Wine Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Published: 11/02/2024
Why Homemade Cranberry Sauce Makes a Difference
Look, we've all seen that can of cranberry sauce, complete with the distinctive ridges still visible when it plops onto the dish. It's tradition, sure, but is it really the cranberry experience you deserve?
Homemade sauce isn't just a flex – it's a game-changer. The bright pop of real cranberries creates a texture that's both chunky and silky, unlike the uniform jelly of the canned stuff. You get actual berries with identity rather than a gelatinous mystery cylinder.
When you make it yourself, you control the sweetness and can actually taste the tartness of real cranberries instead of corn syrup overload. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers – cinnamon, wine, citrus, and berries melding together – is basically a holiday scent candle that you can eat. When guests see that gorgeous, glistening homemade sauce instead of the can-shaped jelly log, they know they're in for the real deal. Your turkey deserves better than can marks, friends.
How to Make Sage Red Wine Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cranberries
- 1/2 cup Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cups orange juice
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
- Black pepper
Directions:
- Combine the wine, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and several grinds of black pepper.
- Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve the sugar, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Add cranberries and vanilla extract, and simmer for 14-15 minutes, until cranberries start to burst and the sauce has thickened.
The Perfect Wine Pairing with Murphy-Goode
There's a reason we reach for Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir in this sauce, and it's not just because we like saying "Goode." Pinot brings the perfect balance – enough fruitiness to complement those berries without being overwhelmingly sweet or tannic.
The light to medium body doesn't bulldoze the delicate balance, but instead adds subtle notes of red fruits, a touch of earthiness, and just enough structure for complexity. As it reduces with the cranberries, those cherry notes intensify beautifully.
And since you've already opened the bottle (the recipe only uses a half cup), pour yourself a glass while cooking. The remaining wine pairs beautifully with the finished sauce – the flavors echo each other in a way that makes both taste even better.
Cranberry Sauce: The Silent Hero of Your Holiday Table
So there you have it – a cranberry sauce that's worth talking about, not just a forgotten side dish. This recipe might seem simple, but it packs a punch that'll have everyone asking what your secret is. The combination of that gorgeous Murphy-Goode Pinot with fresh cranberries creates something that's so much more than the sum of its parts.
Give it a whirl this Thanksgiving – or honestly, anytime you're craving that perfect sweet-tart combo that makes the rest of your meal sing. Trust us, once you've gone homemade with this Sage Red Wine version, that can opener will start collecting dust. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
