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Spiced Cranberry Port Wine Sauce

A warm, glossy sauce with rich holiday flavors, combining port wine, cranberries, and spices. Perfect for festive meals and make-ahead entertaining.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 3/4 cup port wine Choose a good quality port for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 12 whole cloves Remove after simmering to prevent overpowering the sauce.
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries Choose firm, bright berries.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar Can substitute with light brown sugar.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine the port wine, water, and whole cloves in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. After that, remove and discard the cloves.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the cranberries and brown sugar, then bring the mixture back to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Lower the heat to medium again and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often. Cook until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool completely.
  2. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Notes

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.