Can't Mess It Up Cranberry Sauce

Mmmmmm...it's almost here! Thanksgiving! Our family will be doing something non-traditional for us. Usually we go to Georgia to visit my parents or we celebrate with our family in St. Louis. However, since we moved to Branson we are going to stay here this year. The family that my husband works for will also be staying here as well so we are going to celebrate together. I am very excited to share Thanksgiving with them! They have a great tradition. Each family member gets to choose any side he or she wishes, so there will be at least one thing that he or she will eat! Sure, we may have 10 starches and one green bean casserole but this day comes once a year so bring it on! I am going to adopt this tradition for our family as well as my children don't eat much except maybe rolls and a little turkey. :/

We have chosen to split the menu in half, pretty much, to share the cost of this gargantuan meal. One of the things I am bringing will be cranberry sauce which I made last night. You can NOT mess this up. My dad and I make it every time we visit for Thanksgiving. I switched it up a little bit this time, though and I think it is even more delicious with the tartness from the tangerines!

Can't Mess It Up Cranberry Sauce

* 1 12oz bag of fresh cranberries
* 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sugar depending on preference. I did 3/4 cup
* 1/2 cup water
* 3/4 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice (I had 3 tangerines and this is what I got)
* zest of one tangerine

1. Rinse your cranberries in a colander.
2. Zest one tangerine.
3. Juice your fruit. I used all of mine, which was almost a cup.
4. Combine juice, sugar, zest and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves.
5. Stir in cranberries and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until your desired consistency. Mine took 12 minutes. I really like all of the berries to pop and gel.
6. Chill completely before serving.

I had to have a small bowl right off of the stove! It is yummy cold but it tastes so good hot too! My five year old even informed me she stole a taste while it was cooling and liked it too! Score! Most recipes are variations of this so adjust it as you wish. Hope you enjoy!

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