🍽️ Alton Brown’s Cranberry Dipping Sauce
📜 History:
Alton Brown’s Cranberry Dipping Sauce is a delightful condiment with a modern twist on the classic cranberry sauce. While Alton Brown is known for his innovative approach to cooking, this sauce adds a unique and flavorful touch to traditional holiday meals. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy, making it a versatile accompaniment to various dishes.
🧪 Components:
- 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Zest from one orange
📝 Preparation Steps:
-
Rinse and Drain: Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water and removing any stems or damaged berries. Drain them thoroughly.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, water, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground ginger, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves.
-
Cook Over Medium Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
-
Add Orange Zest: Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the orange zest for a burst of citrus flavor.
-
Cool and Serve: Allow the cranberry dipping sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for later use.
-
Presentation: When serving, you can garnish the sauce with a few fresh cranberries and a strip of orange zest for an extra touch of elegance.
⏱️ Time Needed:
Preparation time for Alton Brown’s Cranberry Dipping Sauce is approximately 20-25 minutes from start to finish. This includes prep time, cooking, and cooling. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made ahead of time to simplify your holiday meal planning.
Enjoy your Cranberry Dipping Sauce, and feel free to get creative with how you use it! It’s not only a fantastic accompaniment to turkey but also pairs well with roasted meats, cheese platters, and even as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. 🦃🍊🌶️🍽️
I can provide some general nutritional information for Alton Brown’s Cranberry Dipping Sauce. Please note that specific values may vary based on the exact ingredients used and serving sizes:
- Calories: Approximately 60-70 calories per 2-ounce (1/4 cup) serving.
- Carbohydrates: Around 16-18 grams per serving, primarily from sugars.
- Dietary Fiber: About 2 grams per serving, mainly from cranberries.
- Fat: Negligible, as this sauce is typically low in fat.
- Protein: Minimal, usually less than 1 gram per serving.
Health Information:
- Cranberries: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. They are known for their potential health benefits, such as promoting urinary tract health and providing essential nutrients.
- Sugar: While this sauce contains sugar for sweetness, it’s important to consume it in moderation, especially if you have dietary restrictions related to sugar intake.
- Spices: The inclusion of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper can add flavor and potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.
Keep in mind that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. If you have specific dietary concerns or requirements, it’s advisable to consult a registered dietitian or use a nutritional calculator to get precise values for your recipe.
