Cranberry Sauce
A Traditional Holiday Condiment that can be Enjoyed Year Round
Cranberry sauce has become a traditional condiment for the American Thanksgiving dinner, and is
considered as much a part of the meal as the turkey. The first reference to cranberry sauce is
found in Amelia Simmons cookbook, American Cookery, considered to be the first published American
cookbook.
But what are cranberries, exactly? They are the fruits of a creeping evergreen vine that grows in
northern bogs. There are commercially grown in New England, parts of Canada and the state of
Washington. In the spring and summer the cranberry bogs are a field of green, then in the fall
they turn crimson with the bright red fruit. Harvest time is from September to December. At this
time the bogs are flooded to protect the cranberries from frost and loosen them from the vines.
They will float to the surface where they are easily raked into containers for processing. Fresh
cranberries are widely available in stores in the fall.
When choosing cranberries be sure to look for berries that are red, plump, hard and shiny. Avoid
any that are soft or bruised. You can keep cranberries in the refrigerator up to one week or they
can be frozen up to two months. You can purchase dried cranberries as well or dry your own. When
preparing you cranberries, wash them under cold water just before time to use them, remove any
stem, leaves or soft berries. Drain in a colander and prepare them in your favorite recipes.
They combine well with many different spices and flavors. Cranberries also are a good source of
vitamin C and antioxidants.
Most people think of cranberry sauce as a winter holiday treat, but you can serve this versatile
sauce though out the year. This flavorful accompaniment goes well with any poultry or pork and
can even be used as a spread for bread instead of jelly. Cranberry sauce keeps well in the fridge
for several days and can also be reheated. So, when summer time rolls around and you dust off the
grill, why not prepare some cranberry sauce and surprise everyone.
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