Brandy Apple Cranberry Sauce

I hope you aren't too Thanksgiving'd out because I have a series of post-Thanksgiving recipes queued up to share with you for the next few days. These are the recipes that I served at our Thanksgiving dinner last week, which are perfect for any holiday gathering. And if that's too much for you, tomorrow's recipe post is for something on the light and healthier side... if you're feeling like you need a break from rich holiday eating.

The recipe I'm sharing with you today is for an updated version of my favorite cranberry sauce. Normally, I'm the only one that eats the cranberry sauce at our little Thanksgiving (I prefer it-- hands down-- to gravy), but my sister Emma agreed that this amped up version was really delicious.

Tart green apples, apple cider, and brandy totally transform this recipe into something a little different. I love the combination of brandy and apples-- they work perfectly together. And the cider spices make this sauce totally festive. This is a great accompaniment to turkey, of course, but would be equally delicious served with chicken or a pork roast. And it tastes amazing on a turkey sandwich!


Ingredients:

• 6 oz. fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1 Tbs. cornstarch

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cinnamon stick, water, and brandy. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. 

Separately, whisk cornstarch into the apple cider until completely dissolved. Add the mixture to the cranberries along with the diced apples and stir to combine. Simmer for 15 minutes longer over medium heat until mixture has thickened. 

Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Discard cinnamon stick, cover and refrigerate until chilled.

This can be made hours before serving or even the night before.

And don't forget to enter my $25 Zagat Dining Card giveaway!