Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

pnw cranberry sauce

Recipe by
Beth Renzetti

This was originally named 'Cranberry sauce with Zinfandel, Star Anise and Black pepper' which didn't fit in the title box. I discovered that the flavors are very Pacific Northwest from the cranberries that are grown there to the star anise representing the Asian influence on foods there to the Zinfandel wine produced in the area. Enjoy.

yield 8 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For pnw cranberry sauce

  • 1
    package cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 2 c
    red zinfandel wine (more may be needed later)
  • 1/2 c
    balsamic vinegar
  • 2 stick
    cinnamon
  • 4
    star anise pods
  • 1 c
    dark brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp
    black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp
    whole cloves

How To Make pnw cranberry sauce

  • 1
    In a non-reactive saucepan, combine the cranberries, wine, balsamic, cinnamon sticks and anise pods.
  • 2
    If you’re unsure about how sweet the sauce will be, begin with 1/2 cup sugar. The rest may be added later to taste.
  • 3
    Use a tea ball or cheesecloth bag to hold the peppercons and cloves. Add to the pot.
  • 4
    Bring the berries to boiling then reduce to medium-low. The cranberries will cook completely in 20-30 minutes, bursting and turning deep red.
  • 5
    In the last few minutes of cooking, taste for sugar and stir in more as desired. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • 6
    Remove the spices sticks, pods and the peppercorns.
  • 7
    Add more wine for a more pronounced Zinfandel flavor. Adjust the sugar, to taste.
  • 8
    Store in a clean jar and it will last indefinitely refrigerated. But I'll bet it doesn't get uneaten that long. ;)
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