Cranberry Compote Tangy Sweet (Printable)
Vibrant mix of cranberries and orange zest creates a tangy-sweet topping for multiple dishes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruits
01 - 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 1 medium orange, zested and juiced
→ Sweeteners
03 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
→ Liquids & Flavorings
04 - 1/4 cup water
05 - 1 cinnamon stick
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
07 - Pinch of salt
# How-to Steps:
01 - Rinse cranberries thoroughly, removing any soft or damaged ones.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, water, cinnamon stick, nutmeg if using, and salt.
03 - Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
04 - Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
05 - Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and allow compote to cool to further thicken.
06 - Serve warm or chilled according to preference.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- It’s like a secret burst of bright fruitiness that lifts every dessert or savory meal.
- This compote somehow feels like a tradition every time I make it, simple yet special.
02 -
- Don’t skip stirring during simmering—cranberries can stick and burn quickly if unattended.
- I found that removing the mixture from heat just as most berries burst keeps the perfect balance of texture.
03 -
- Fresh cranberries with a good orange zest make all the difference here; don’t shortchange the citrus.
- Simmer just long enough so you keep that lively texture—overcooked compote loses its charm.