Dairy Free / Diet Specific / Dips, Dressings, Sauces & Spreads / Gluten Free / Paleo / Recipes / Vegan / Vegetarian / Whole30

homemade {3 ingredient} cranberry sauce!

11.24.15

Cranberry Sauce-9

it would probably be too much if i asked you if you're ready to get saucy, right?

i thought so.  LE. SIGH.

… but… are you?

Cranberry Sauce

i know. i know. your thanksgiving menus have been solidified since like june because you're ON TOP OF IT.

but in case you have a bone in your body that prevents you from planning ANYTHING ahead (sort of like a food blogger you know) i'm throwing this gem your way.  its soooo easy and can be whipped up in a pinch and is just the easiest contribution that seems so… bougie?

“is that cranberry sauce from a can?” “NO YOU HEATHEN ITS HOMEMADE LIKE MARTHA WOULD DO. DON'T YOU KNOW ANYTHING?”  <- you on thanksgiving.  #winning

Cranberry Sauce-2

in a related, but semi-unrelated note.  how do you feel about cranberry sauce in general?  i used to LOATHE IT. and now its my jam.  <- LITERALLY HAHAHAHAH.

i'd live a boring life if i didn't laugh at my own jokes.

but seriously.  i could never get on board but for some reason… now that i'm “adulting” (sort of).   i appreciate the tartness of it.  i think it brings a thanksgiving plate full circle. (unless you're eating off a square plate…. HAHHAHAHA)

Cranberry Sauce-3

but here's the thing….

i sort of, actually, kind-of, maybe… love the canned stuff.

GASP I KNOW. ugh i'm sorry.  i can't really get into whole-berry versions of cranberry sauce.  i want it pureed and practically like jello.  i don't want to have to CHEW my sauce is what i'm trying to say, i want to SPREAD it.  yes.

Cranberry Sauce-4

which is why i'm SUCH a fan of my immersion blender.  its a lifesaver.

you can make a big batch of this sauce and then blend the crap out of it so its smooth and perfect.  or you can leave it whole-berry-style if that's what you're into (weirdo.).  OR you could be the best guest/host ever and bring TWO versions…. i think that's what i'm doing this year.  along with a vat of my pretzel dip and more jello shots.  don't you want me as a guest?  DONT YOU?  (i really just have sort of never cooked a turkey and don't own a proper roasting pan so i have to mooch off others).

Cranberry Sauce-5

i might actually be the most pathetic food blogger. ever.  

NEXT YEAR. i'll cook a turkey…. but like, someone teach me how?  

THIS YEAR. i'm bringing sauce and not ashamed.  

Cranberry Sauce-6

i mean COME ON.  just look at it.  

fair warning though, the berries pop.  and they splatter. and i feel like they probably stain.  so be careful.  wear an apron.  BE MARTHA.

Cranberry Sauce-11

hoookay. SO.  here's the dealio.  the lowdown.  the 411 to tell your host/guests.  

this sauce is THREE INGREDIENTS.  and if you make sure you use no sugar added cider/apple sauce you've got yourself a whole30, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo, vegan CRANBERRY SAUCE.  oh yeah.  this fits the bill.

it marks down EVERY box on your potential check list.

Cranberry Sauce-8

and you know what that means right?  ITS HEALTHY.

which leaves you with more room for stuffing. and mashed potatoes. and gravy.  and um. DESSERT.  yeah.  

you should probably just start with “you're welcome” when you present it.

Cranberry Sauce-10

Print

Cranberry Sauce

  • Author: Ashley Renee
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 120
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 bag cranberries
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup natural apple sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine the berries, cider, and apple sauce in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to low heat and simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until desired thickness is achieved.
  2. If you want whole-berry sauce, leave it as is. If you want a smooth sauce, use a blender (i recommend an immersion blender!) to puree the sauce.
  3. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 47
  • Sugar: 10
  • Sodium: 4
  • Fat: 0
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 12
  • Protein: 0
  • Cholesterol: 0

  Cranberry Sauce-7

but we're really on the same side when it comes to smooth versus whole-berry…. right?

Make it? Lemme see it! Hashtag it: #thepikeplacekitchen 

InstyTwittahLovingzeblogsPinnypins.

* this post may contain affiliate amazon links.  I earn a SMALL commission on purchases you make through amazon, at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you.  you use amazon exactly as you used to and are still entitled to the same deals you would get through a non-affiliate link.  I only endorse products I actually use in my own kitchen and likely have paid for on my own – if i'm recommending it, it means I truly believe in the quality of the product.  thank you for supporting the Pike Place Kitchen and helping to keep the blog up and running.