Classic Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

12 oz cranberries

1 cup sugar

just enough water

1/2 whole half an orange zested and juiced

1 stick cinnamon stick

a few star anise optional for flavor

a pinch salt

Equipment

pot

spoon or spatula

microplane or grater

Directions

Combine 12 oz of cranberries with enough water to start cooking in a pot.

Add a cup of sugar to the cranberries.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until cranberries burst and soften.

Stir the cranberries as they pop and burst.

Add the juice and zest of half an orange to the macerating cranberries.

Add a cinnamon stick and star anise for flavor.

Lower the heat to a low simmer and cook until cranberries are fully broken down and thickened.

Squish remaining berries against the side of the pan and continue simmering.

Cook until cranberries are tender and the mixture has thickened into a jammy consistency.

Remove the orange peel and cinnamon stick. Let the sauce cool and set.

Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature.