Healthy Cranberry Sauce with Orange & a Touch of Chia
How I make my favorite thing on the Thanksgiving table!
Ingredients:
12 oz (≈3 cups) fresh or frozen Ocean Spray cranberries
½ cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed if possible)
¼ cup pure maple syrup (or honey — adjust to taste)
Zest of 1 orange
½ tsp cinnamon (optional but cozy)
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon chia seeds (just enough to slightly thicken)
Directions:
1) In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
2) Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3) Once the berries start popping, reduce heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most cranberries have burst and the sauce starts to thicken.
4) Remove from heat. Stir in orange zest.
5) Let cool 5 minutes, then stir in 1 teaspoon chia seeds.
6) Allow it to rest for 15 minutes — it’ll lightly thicken as it cools but remain smooth and saucy.
7) Taste and adjust sweetness or add a splash of orange juice if you prefer it looser.
Storage
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Serve chilled, room temp, or gently warmed.
- If it thickens overnight, stir in 1–2 tsp orange juice or warm water before serving.
