Best Fresh Spiced Citrus Cranberry Sauce

I don't know why anyone who is serious about Thanksgiving turns to a can for cranberry sauce...it's almost blasphemous. This..coming from the girl who didn't really have all the real 'fixins' growing up. But now that I'm married to an honest-to-goodness-nothing-is-better-than-Thanksgiving-food man...well, there's just no going back.

So, I came up with this one on my own because I wanted something to taste really fresh...the key is the spiced cider. Spiced cider is made with mulling spices. I particularly love the Williams-Sonoma brand--or try the Trader Joe's brand, but you can make your own spices too. So if you make any spiced cider this season...save a cup or so to make this cranberry sauce. You won't be sorry.

By the way, the apple adds 'pectin' which helps thicken the cranberry sauce.


BEST FRESH SPICED CITRUS CRANBERRY SAUCE

•        1 package fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
•        Zest of one orange
•        Approximately 1/3 apple, peeled and grated
•        4 Tbsp. raw sugar (preferably Turbinado), or more if you prefer sweeter
•        Approximately 1 cup spiced apple cider 

Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cranberries will begin to 'pop'--this is a fun noise--if your kids are watching the pot, please be aware that the cranberries don't explode and burn anyone.

Lower heat and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes---stirring every so often, to partially break up cranberries.

Turn off heat. Mixture will start to thicken and continue to do so slightly after the heat is off.

Let cool and serve alongside turkey and sides.

Makes about 1 ½ cups sauce.