Cranberry Archives - Family Dinners https://familydinners.com/ingredient/cranberry/ Delicious Dinners Families Love Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:26:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://familydinners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Cranberry Archives - Family Dinners https://familydinners.com/ingredient/cranberry/ 32 32 Cranberry Simple Syrup https://familydinners.com/cranberry-simple-syrup/ https://familydinners.com/cranberry-simple-syrup/#respond Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:23:41 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=17448 Learn how to make this deep red spiced cranberry simple syrup. It's quick and easy to make and gives great flavor to fall or winter drinks.

The post Cranberry Simple Syrup appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> Like the name already says, cranberry simple syrup is really “simple” to make but so full of flavor. You only need a few basic ingredients and your cranberry flavored syrup is ready in only 10 minutes. This delicious homemade syrup compliments all your fall and winter cocktails, mocktails, punches and sangria. You can even use it to give your morning or afternoon tea a little extra flavor. You will love the tangy, fruity flavor of cranberry simple syrup as well as the hint of warm fall spices. This is the best cranberry syrup recipe and it will sure take the flavor of your holiday drinks to the next level.

three bottles of cranberry simple syrup with fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks

What is Cranberry Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sugar you can add to drinks to sweeten them. Make a basic simple syrup recipe by combining 1 part water with 1 part sugar. Then stir the mixture over medium/high heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring it to a boil, take off the heat and let cool completely. Flavor this easy recipe with zest, spices, herbs and fruit for homemade cocktails. This cranberry syrup gets its amazing flavor from fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks and whole allspice. It is a great addition to any fall or winter cocktail or party punch. It can also be used for non alcoholic drinks or tea. This cranberry version is also used for a fruit salad dressing.

cranberry simple syrup bottles with fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks

Why You’ll Love This

  • Notable: sweet, deep red syrup full of cranberry and cinnamon flavor
  • Main Ingredients: water, sugar, cranberries, ginger, cinnamon sticks, allspice
  • Cooking Method: stovetop
  • Nutrients: Cranberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes of prep time, 5-7 minutes of cooking time
  • Pairs well with: holiday cocktails, such as Thanksgiving Sangria
  • Diets: gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
  • Special Equipment Needed: small saucepan, whisk, fine mesh strainer, bowl
looking down at 3 bottles full of cranberry syrup
cranberry simple syrup ingredients in a saucepan

Ingredients

You may have all of these easy cranberry simple syrup ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and print the recipe.

  • 1 cup of water
  • ½ cup of white sugar
  • 1 cup of cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 1½ inch piece of ginger peeled
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ tsp whole allspice
ingredients for cranberry flavored syrup

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: Use this flavorful cranberry simple syrup to make our delicious Thanksgiving Sangria. It is a bold blend of red wine, sparkling cider, rum and cranberries with a hint of spice! The absolute best cranberry sangria recipe this holiday season. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years.

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Fine-mesh strainer – This helps remove any small spice particles that you don’t want in your finished syrup.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook your own cranberry simple syrup on the stovetop, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. You can print the recipe with or without photos.

COMBINE: In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cranberries, ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks and allspice. Stir and bring mixture to a boil.

cranberry simple syrup ingredients in a pot
simple syrup with cranberries boiling in a pot

SIMMER: Lower the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.

cranberry syrup strained through a fine mesh sieve
finished cranberry simple syrup in a bowl with a spoon

STRAIN AND COOL: Strain mixture. Pour the syrup over a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium mixing bowl. Reserve the cinnamon sticks and discard the rest. Set the syrup aside until cooled. Use immediately or store in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love the bright and tangy flavor of cranberries then you’ll love Stef’s Cranberry Jello Salad. No more boring old can of cranberry sauce, this scrumptious combination of raspberry, cranberry, and orange is a sure crowd pleaser.

How To Serve Homemade Cranberry Syrup

Use this homemade simple syrup in a variety of flavorful ways. Our favorite way to use our own simple syrups is in sangria or other favorite cocktails.

Cranberry Sangria — This holiday sangria includes this cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, Pino Noir, spiced rum, sparkling apple cider, a pear and tart cranberries. Serve in a wine glass.

Cranberry Moscow Mules — Combine 1.5 ounces Vodka, ½ ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce cranberry simple syrup, 4 ounces chilled ginger beer. Serve in copper mugs with an orange peel.

Cranberry Fruit Salad Dressing — Sweet homemade salad dressings are perfect for fruit salads. Drizzle cranberry dressing over your salad for a tangy sweet addition to your favorite fruits.

Give As A Gift — Pour the homemade syrup into a cute glass bottle and decorate with a bow. Include our sangria recipe on a little hand written card.

Make Ahead

You can make this cranberry flavored simple syrup up to 2 weeks ahead of time. Make sure you store it in an airtight container, mason jar or bottle and keep it in the fridge.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best cranberry flavored syrup.

  • Tip: Pick over your cranberries before adding to the syrup. Only firm and bright red cranberries are fresh and guarantee best flavor. Discard soft and mushy ones.
  • Tip: Gently squeeze cranberries when straining. But do not make mush. This way you get all the delicious flavor out of the berries.
  • Tip: Store simple syrup in the fridge. Refrigerated cranberry syrup keeps its fresh taste and lasts longer.

Stef says….

If you have any fresh cranberries leftover, you have to try my Sugared Cranberries recipe. These tasty treats are crisp, sweet, and incredibly easy to make – the perfect combination of a sugary coating with a burst of tart cranberry flavor underneath!

How To Store

Refrigerate: In case you do not use the simple syrup right away, store in an airtight container, bottle or jam jar in the fridge. Refrigerated cranberry simple syrup will last up to two weeks.

Freeze: Pour simple syrup into a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 year. We recommend freezing simple syrup in ice cube trays. This way you can pull out just the right amount you need for a cocktail.

Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight or let sit on the counter until ready to use.

bottles of cranberry simple syrup with a bowl of fresh cranberries

Common Questions

What is the best sugar/water ratio for simple syrup?

Generally there are 3 common mixing ratios. For light syrup mix 2 parts water with 1 part sugar (1 cup water + ½ cup sugar). The most popular mix is 1 part water and 1 part sugar (1 cup water + 1 cup sugar), this is called basic simple syrup. Lastly, there is thick syrup. Mix 1 part water with 2 parts sugar (1 cup water + 2 cups sugar). The more sugar is in the syrup, the longer it lasts.

Can I make other flavors of simple syrup?

Of course. In fact you can make loads of different flavored simple syrup. You can add flavor by simply switching to brown sugar, and your syrup will have a slight caramel flavor. Besides fruit, you can also add spices, such as vanilla, anise, or cloves. Furthermore, you can add herbs to the water and sugar mixture to make flavors such as mint or elderflower. Adding zest such as orange, lemon or lime, for example, creates syrup with amazing citrus flavor.

How long does simple syrup last?

The amount of time you can store simple syrup depends on a couple of factors. Firstly, the amount of sugar in the syrup. The more sugar you add, the longer it lasts. Secondly, the method of making the syrup. You can either dissolve the sugar by bringing the water/sugar mixture to a boil (which creates a more stable syrup). But you can also simply add cold water to the sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Boiled syrup lasts longer than, cold water syrup. And thirdly, the shelf life also depends on whether your syrup is flavored or not. Unflavored syrup lasts longer than flavored ones.

Basic simple syrup (1:1 ratio) lasts up to 1 month in the fridge.
Flavored simple syrup as well as light syrup lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge.
Thick simple syrup lasts about 2-3 months in the fridge.

cranberry simple syrup bottles with fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks
Print

Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe

Learn how to make this deep red spiced cranberry simple syrup. It's quick and easy to make and gives great flavor to fall or winter drinks. Deep red and flavorful spiced cranberry simple syrup that is perfect for fall and winter cocktails.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 232kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

  • small saucepan
  • whisk
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 1½ inch piece of ginger peeled
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ teaspoon whole allspice

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cranberries, ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks and allspice. Stir and bring mixture to a boil.
    cranberry simple syrup ingredients in a pot
  • Lower the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
    simple syrup with cranberries boiling in a pot
  • Pour the syrup over a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium mixing bowl. Reserve the cinnamon sticks and discard the rest.
    cranberry syrup strained through a fine mesh sieve
  • Set the syrup aside until cooled.
    cranberry syrup cooling in a bowl
  • Use immediately or store in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge.
    finished cranberry syrup in a glass bottle

Nutrition

Serving: 1oz | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Cranberry Simple Syrup appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> https://familydinners.com/cranberry-simple-syrup/feed/ 0 Fall Fruit Salad For Thanksgiving And Christmas https://familydinners.com/fall-fruit-salad-for-thanksgiving-christmas/ https://familydinners.com/fall-fruit-salad-for-thanksgiving-christmas/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2022 17:23:25 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=17038 This colorful thanksgiving fruit salad is full of apples and citrus flavors. A homemade dressing adds sweetness and warm fall spices.

The post Fall Fruit Salad For Thanksgiving And Christmas appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> If you have been looking for a lighter and healthier holiday side dish, then this Thanksgiving fruit salad is the perfect recipe for you. It combines crunchy apples, sweet grapes, tangy oranges, dried cranberries and toasted nuts for the most delicious fruit medley. A sweet and citrusy dressing with just the right hint of warming spices makes this fruit salad out of this world good. Ready in only 10 minutes, spiced apple fruit salad can be served as a side at any holiday dinner. You can even turn it into a mouthwatering dessert by topping it with a scoop of ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream. This is the best fruit salad you will ever make and your family will sure love it.

bowl of thanksgiving fruit salad with a wooden spoon

What is Thanksgiving Fruit Salad?

This fall fruit salad only uses fruit that is in season, like apples, grapes, oranges or pears for example. The fruit is combined with nuts and dried cranberries before being tossed with a sweet and spiced dressing. The dressing is made from orange juice, orange and lemon zest, apple pie spice and some sugar for sweetness. This red and green apple fruit salad goes particularly well with holiday dinners, breakfasts and brunches.

Apple fruit salad in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Notable: crunchy fresh fruit mixed with sweet dried cranberries and a delicious spiced dressing
  • Main Ingredients: green apples, red apples, dried cranberries, pecans, grapes, navel orange, lemon, orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice
  • Nutrients: excellent source of fiber and vitamins
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Pairs well with: holiday dinners, holiday breakfast and brunch, roast turkey and chicken
  • Diets: dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
  • Special Equipment Needed: sheet pan, apple slicer (optional), small saucepan, fine mesh strainer
cut up fruit on a wooden board
dressing being poured over fruit salad

Ingredients

You may have all of these spiced Thanksgiving or Christmas fruit salad ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and print the recipe.

  • Pantry Ingredients: sugar, orange juice, pecans, dried cranberries
  • Produce Ingredients: green apples, red apples, navel orange, grapes, lemon
  • Spices: apple pie spice

Stef says….

Crunchy and colorful salads are a great way to lighten up the Thanksgiving menu. If you are looking for a more savory salad option, then you have to try my Broccoli Grape Salad. Fresh broccoli florets are combined with sweet grapes, toasty almonds, crunchy celery, flavor-punching bacon and a creamy mayonnaise based dressing.

ingredients for thanksgiving fruit salad

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you are looking to include more fall fruit into your Thanksgiving menu, then you have to try our flavorful Thanksgiving Sangria. It is a bold blend of red wine, sparkling cider, rum and cranberries with a hint of spice! It’s the best cranberry sangria recipe!

Fine-mesh strainer – This helps remove any small spice particles that you don’t want in your finished fruit salad.

Apple Slicer – We love this easy to use apple slicer, because it makes cutting up apples for fruit salad, apple pies or apple crisps so much quicker.

Instructions

This section shows how to make holiday fruit salad with dried cranberries, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. You can print the recipe with or without photos.

TOAST THE PECANS: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place pecans on a lined baking sheet and place in the oven while it’s heating up. Remove pecans from the oven when you can smell their aroma. This should be about the same time as when the oven is fully heated. Remove from the oven and cool.

toasted pecans in a bowl
mixing dressing ingredients in a small saucepan

MAKE THE DRESSING: In a small saucepan, mix orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, zest of 1 lemon and zest of 1 orange. Place over medium heat. Whisk to combine. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Strain in a fine mesh strainer and cool completely.

strained thanksgiving fruit salad dressing in a glass
cut up fruit on a wooden board

COMBINE AND SERVE: Core and slice apples to bite sized pieces. Toss apples with juice from half a lemon to prevent browning. Cut the peel off the orange and cut into bite sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes and oranges. Drizzle dressing over the fruit and toss to combine. Serve.

all spiced fruit salad ingredients in a bowl
pouring dressing over the fruit salad

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love fruity thanksgiving side dishes then you’ll love Stef’s amazing Cranberry Jello Salad. Not only do the bright and zesty flavors of raspberry, cranberry, and orange taste delicious, but this dish also looks stunning and is a real holiday showstopper.

Make Ahead

We do not recommend assembling this apple fruit salad too far ahead of time. Even though tossing the apples in lemon juice will prevent them from browning too quickly, they will turn slightly brown eventually. However, you can prepare certain components of this fruit side dish in advance.

NUTS: You can toast the pecans up to week ahead of time. Make sure they are completely cold before transfering them into a dry airtight container.

DRESSING: The dressing can also be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Cool it completely, transfer to an airtight container or jam jar and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Autumn Fruit Salad Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best spiced apple fruit salad.

  • Tip: Use fresh, firm apples. Crunchy apples have the best texture for this fruit salad. If they are blemished or mealy they are not enjoyable to eat.
  • Tip: Toss apples in lemon juice. This prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
  • Tip: Use organic oranges for zest. To avoid ingesting harmful pesticides or additives try to use organic citrus fruits for zesting.
  • Tip: Assemble right before serving. This ensures most freshness and makes the fruit salad look irresistible.

How To Store

Refrigerate: We recommend making this spiced fruit salad fresh and serve it immediately. This way all the fruit will look fresh and most appetizing. Leftover fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the fridge for 1-2 days. Even though the overall appearance might not be as fresh anymore after 1 or 2 days of storage, the holiday fruit salad will still taste great.

glass bowl full of thanksgiving fruit salad

Common Questions

How do I zest a lemon without a lemon zester?

It’s not a problem if you don’t own a lemon zester. You can also use the fine side of a box grater to rub off the lemon zest. Another way to zest a lemon is using a vegetable peeler. First, peel off very thin slices of lemon peel (avoid the white part) and then chop the lemon peel finely on a cutting board with a knife.

How long ahead of time can I make this salad?

Although we recommend making the salad fresh right before serving, it can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Alternatively, you can toast the pecans and prepare the dressing a couple of days ahead of time, and therefore speed up assembly when ready to serve.

What apple brands are best for Thanksgiving fruit salad?

For the red apples we recommend using Fuji apples, Honeycrisp apples, Jazz apples, Gala apples or even Red Delicious apples. For the green apples we chose Granny Smith apples.

Can I add any other ingredients to this fruit salad?

Of course! You can add some diced pear, pomegranate seeds, slices of mandarin oranges, kiwi or walnuts to this fall fruit salad.

Apple fruit salad in a bowl.
Print

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

This colorful thanksgiving fruit salad is full of apples and citrus flavors. A homemade dressing adds sweetness and warm fall spices.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, vegan, vegetarian
Diet Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword apple fruit salad, spiced fruit salad, thanksgiving fruit salad recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 223kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • small saucepan
  • whisk
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • apple slicer and knife
  • large bowl

Ingredients

Fruit Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 medium green apples
  • 2 medium red apples
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 3 medium navel oranges
  • 1 medium lemon juiced

Dressing Ingredients:

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • zest of 1 orange

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pecans on a baking sheet and place in the oven while it’s heating up. Remove pecans from the oven when you can smell them, about the same time the oven is fully heated. Remove from the oven and cool.
    toasted pecans in a bowl
  • In a small saucepan, mix orange juice, sugar, apple pie spice, zest of 1 lemon and zest of 1 orange.
    zesting lemon into the saucepan with the dressing ingredients
  • Place over medium heat. Whisk to combine. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
    whisking fruit salad dressing in a saucepan
  • Strain in a fine mesh strainer and cool completely.
    straining fruit salad dressing through a fine mesh strainer
  • Core and slice apples to bite sized pieces. Toss apples with juice from half a lemon to prevent browning.
    cut up fruit on a wooden board
  • Cut the peel off the orange and cut into bite sized pieces.
  • In a large bowl, mix apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes and oranges.
    all spiced fruit salad ingredients in a bowl
  • Drizzle dressing over the fruit and toss to combine. Serve.
    dressing being poured over fruit salad

Notes

  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until you serve.
  • Refrigerate the fruit salad for 1-2 days.
Additions or substitutions:
  • Add diced pear instead of the green apples.
  • Add pomegranate seeds.


Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Fall Fruit Salad For Thanksgiving And Christmas appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> https://familydinners.com/fall-fruit-salad-for-thanksgiving-christmas/feed/ 9 The Best Holiday Cranberry Sangria (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) https://familydinners.com/thanksgiving-sangria/ https://familydinners.com/thanksgiving-sangria/#respond Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:36:17 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=16539 This fragrant thanksgiving sangria is a bold blend of red wine, sparkling cider, rum and cranberries with a hint of spice! It's the best cranberry sangria recipe!

The post The Best Holiday Cranberry Sangria (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> This fruity and boozy holiday season or thanksgiving sangria not only tastes delicious but also looks very festive. A blend of easy cranberry simple syrup, cranberry juice, red wine, spiced rum and sparkling apple cider makes for a super yummy, slightly bubbly fall cocktail. It is easy to make, can be prepared a couple of days in advance and even turned into a non-alcoholic holiday drink. The guests at your next thanksgiving or christmas party won’t be able to get enough of this crowd pleasing, slightly spiced holiday punch. But you’ll want to drink this cranberry sangria year round!

close up of a glass of thanksgiving sangria

What is Sangria?

Sangria is a mixed alcoholic drink originally from Spain. It usually contains fruit juice, wine, liqueur, sweeteners, sparkling water and fruit. There are red or white sangrias. The color depends on the wine. Red sangria is made with red wine, and white sangria with white wine. Use different fruits and flavors to make a fall sangria, holiday sangria, summer sangria or sangria for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Notable: fruity and boozy holiday cocktail with just the right hint of spice
  • Main Ingredients: water, sugar, cranberries, ginger, cinnamon sticks, whole allspice, cranberry juice, red wine, rum, sparkling apple cider, pear
  • Cooking Method: stovetop
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes prep time and 4 hours chill time
  • Diets: dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
  • Special Equipment Needed: saucepan, fine-mesh strainer, mixing bowl, large pitcher
sparkling cider poured into pitcher to make sangria
two glasses of cranberry sangria with cranberries and cinnamon sticks

Ingredients

You may have all of these fall sangria recipe ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and print the recipe. We like to use seasonal fruit for a Thanksgiving or holiday sangria. You can substitute for your favorite mix of fruit. You can make the simple syrup to use in many different fall cocktails for holiday parties or use in your Thanksgiving dinner fruit salad.

Simple Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 4 inch piece of ginger peeled and divided
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ tsp whole allspice

Additional Sangria Ingredients:

  • 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
  • 1 750ml bottle Pinot Noir red wine (Make this a white wine sangria by using a dry white wine or a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a sauvignon blanc)
  • ½ cup spiced rum
  • 1 750ml bottle apple sparkling cider
  • 1 Bartlett pear thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries

Optional Garnish:

  • cranberries
  • pear, diced
  • ginger
  • rosemary sprigs
  • orange slices
ingredients for thanksgiving sangria

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love bold and fruity drinks then you’ll love our amazing Red Wine Sangria. This blend of red wine, citrus, and strawberry with a hint of booze and bubbles goes really well with Spanish or Italian food.

Instructions

This section shows how to make holiday sangria on the stovetop, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. You can print the recipe with or without photos.

Fine-mesh strainer – This helps remove any small spice particles that you don’t want in your finished sangria.

Medium or Small Saucepan – Make the simple syrup over the stove in a small dutch oven or saucepan.

MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP: In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cranberries, ⅓ of the ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks and allspice. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Then simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes.

cranberry simple syrup ingredients in a saucepan
boiling cranberry simple syrup

STRAIN AND COOL SYRUP: Pour the syrup over a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium mixing bowl. Reserve the cinnamon sticks and discard the cranberries, ginger and allspice. Then set the syrup aside until cooled.

fine-mesh strainer with cranberries and cinnamon sticks
cooled simple syrup in a bowl with a spoon

MAKE SANGRIA: In a large pitcher, combine simple syrup, cranberry juice, red wine, spice rum, sparkling cider, pear and fresh cranberries. Chill for at least 4 hours. Then stir again and serve.

Stef says….

I love serving fruity and refreshing sangria at summer parties and bbqs. Two of my absolute favorite flavors are Strawberry Sangria and Summer Peach Sangria. There is just nothing better than sipping a fun and fruity cocktail in the summer sun!

red wine added to a pitcher of thanksgiving sangria
two cups of holiday sangria

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love festive and spiced holiday drinks then you’ll love Stef’s Homemade Eggnog. Rich and creamy it is the perfect drink for holiday evenings and parties.

Make Ahead

You can make christmas sangria up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve. We recommend adding the fruit only a couple of hours before serving, this way it looks fresh and appetizing. Add the sparkling apple cider shortly before serving.

Cranberry Sangria Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best thanksgiving sangria.

  • Tip: Use GOOD red wine. Your sangria will only be as good as the wine you use.
  • Tip: Use ripe, fresh fruit for best flavor.
  • Tip: If possible, make the sangria the night before. This allows the flavors to blend properly and intensify. Add the sparkling apple cider right before serving.

How To Store

Refrigerate: Leftover thanksgiving sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. After that point it will begin to sour. We recommend removing the fruit before storing, otherwise it might lose its texture and start to look unappetizing.

Freeze: Sangria can be frozen. Separate the fruit from the liquid before transfering to a freezer safe container. You can freeze sangria for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: Let the holiday sangria thaw in the fridge overnight.

Andrea says….

This “Best Ever” Sangria Recipe is always a big hit with friends at summer backyard gatherings. Even though there are a lot of ingredients in this recipe, it is absolutely worth making. Once you’ve invested in the ingredients you can make it all summer long!

two glasses of christmas sangria with a pear

Common Questions

Can I make this holiday sangria recipe non-alcoholic?

Yes! Simply use grape or pomegranate juice instead of red wine, skip the rum and instead of the sparkling apple cider you can use sparkling apple juice, ginger ale or ginger beer, for example.

How can I make this sangria look even more festive?

To begin with, you can add sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks to each glass. Moreover, you can add a sugar-cinnamon rim to the sangria glasses. Simple set out two flat plates, put a little bit of water on one and some cinnamon sugar on the other. Dip the rim of each glass into the water and then into the sugar mixture. Voila!

Print

Thanksgiving Sangria Recipe

This fragrant thanksgiving sangria is a bold blend of red wine, sparkling cider, rum and cranberries with a hint of spice! It's the best cranberry sangria recipe!
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Keyword christmas sangria, cranberry ginger sangria, cranberry sangria recipe, holiday sangria recipe, thanksgiving sangria
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Servings 12 servings
Calories 82kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • mixing bowl
  • large pitcher

Ingredients

Simple Syrup Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 4 inch piece of ginger peeled and divided
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ teaspoon whole allspice

Sangria Ingredients:

  • 1 cup 100% cranberry juice
  • 1 750ml bottle Pinot Noir red wine
  • ½ cup spiced rum
  • 1 750ml bottle apple sparkling cider
  • 1 Bartlett pear thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries

Optional Garnish:

  • cranberries
  • pear
  • ginger
  • rosemary sprigs

Instructions

Simple Syrup Instructions:

  • In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine water, sugar, cranberries, ⅓ of the ginger, 2 cinnamon sticks and allspice. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
    cranberry simple syrup ingredients in a saucepan
  • Lower the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
    boiling cranberry simple syrup
  • Pour the syrup over a fine-mesh strainer set over a medium mixing bowl. Reserve the cinnamon sticks and discard the rest.
    fine-mesh strainer with cranberries and cinnamon sticks
  • Set the syrup aside until cooled.
    cooled simple syrup in a bowl with a spoon

Sangria Instructions:

  • Combine simple syrup, cranberry juice, red wine, spice rum, sparkling cider, pear, and cranberries. Chill for at least 4 hours.
    adding rum to sangria
  • Stir again and serve.
    close up of a glass of christmas sangria

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 24IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.2mg

The post The Best Holiday Cranberry Sangria (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> https://familydinners.com/thanksgiving-sangria/feed/ 0 Spiked Apple Cider https://familydinners.com/spiked-apple-cider/ https://familydinners.com/spiked-apple-cider/#respond Fri, 12 Feb 2021 18:56:17 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=1387 This adult spiked apple cider cocktail recipe is SO delicious! These warm winter Tuaca cocktails have many variations!

The post Spiked Apple Cider appeared first on Family Dinners.

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Spiked apple cider is ideal for parties. No mixing or shaking individual drinks plus you can make large quantities if you want. The adult apple cider cocktail is one of our favorite Tuaca cocktails, which is our go to apple cider alcohol. But read on for other alcohol and non-alcohol ideas.

Apple Cider Cocktail Ingredients:

  • 2 – 64 oz. jugs of apple juice or apple cider
  • 2 star anise
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks – plus more for serving
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries – frozen okay
  • 1 apple – sliced
  • 1-2 oranges – sliced
  • 750 ml bottle of Tuaca 

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS

VODKA + SIMPLE SYRUP

Mix 18 oz. of vodka with 6 oz of simple syrup. Try Stef’s simple syrup recipe.

FIREBALL WHISKEY

Substitute Fireball in this recipe for an extra kick.

BOURBON

Add bourbon to the recipe instead of Tuaca.

MARGARITA CIDER

Add 6 oz. of lemon juice, 12 oz. of whiskey and 12 oz. of tequila with 3 cups of sugar to this apple cider recipe instead of Tuaca.

Essential

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

Prepare your work surface and gather these kitchen tools and supplies before you begin this delicious, easy-to-make recipe so you don’t waste extra time trying to find things you need.

  • large stock pot or Crock Pot
  • ladle for scooping and serving
  • cutting board
  • knife

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INSTRUCTIONS

ADD CIDER TO POT: Pour two containers of apple juice/cider into a stockpot.

PREPARE FRUIT: Rinse and slice apple and orange. Slice the apples horizontally top to bottom for a pretty star effect in the center slices.

SIMMER: Add the fruit, star anise, and a couple cinnamon sticks to the juice. Heat over medium until mixture reaches a low simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

ADD ALCOHOL: Ladle hot cider into mugs. Add 1-2 ounces of Tuaca to the mug. Serve with a cinnamon stick and a few cranberries.

  • two clear glass mugs filled with golden apple cider cocktail with cranberries, cinnamon sticks in them. Bottle of Tuaca pouring into one mug..
  • white large pot full of adult apple cider full of cranberries, cinnamon sticks, orange and apple slices

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click the questions to see the answer.

Enjoy spiked apple cocktails with a full meal with these other recipe:

Print

Spiked Apple Cider

A warm, spiced spiked apple cider with hints of orange, cinnamon, anise, and cranberries spiked with the subtle sweetness of Tuaca.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Keyword spiked apple cider
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 16 Cups
Calories 227kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Ingredients

  • 2 – 64 oz. jugs of apple juice or apple cider
  • 2 star anise
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks plus more for serving
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries frozen okay
  • 1 apple sliced
  • 1-2 oranges sliced
  • 750 ml bottle of Tuaca (Brandy)

Instructions

  • Pour two containers of apple juice/cider into a stockpot.
  • Rinse and slice apple and orange. Slice the apples horizontally top to bottom for a pretty star effect in the center slices.
  • Add the fruit, star anise, and a couple cinnamon sticks to the juice. Heat over medium until mixture reaches a low simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Ladle hot cider into mugs. Add 1-2 ounces of Tuaca to the mug. Serve with a cinnamon stick and a few cranberries.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
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The post Spiked Apple Cider appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> https://familydinners.com/spiked-apple-cider/feed/ 0 Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pecans https://familydinners.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts/ https://familydinners.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=936 Brussels sprouts get a really bad rap but, when you use the right Brussels sprouts recipe, they're delicious! These roasted Brussels sprouts with roasted pecans and dried cranberries are delicious.

The post Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pecans appeared first on Family Dinners.

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Brussels sprouts get a really bad rap but, when you use the right Brussels sprouts recipe, they’re delicious! These roasted Brussels sprouts (often referred to as Brussel sprouts) with roasted pecans and dried cranberries are delicious.

Roasted Brussels sprouts have a nutty and savory, crunchy and soft taste. The combination of flavors of cooked Brussels sprouts with roasted pecans and dried cranberries makes for a really pleasing culinary experience. Keep reading to learn the best tips for how to roast Brussels sprouts.

collage of brussels sprouts- Image of cutting board with whole brussel sprouts and bowl of whole pecans and dried cranberries. Image of brussels sprouts cut in half, image of cut brussels sprouts and pecans on a baking sheet. Image of roasted Brussels sprouts and roasted pecans and dried cranberries on a baking sheet.

Make it a Meal!

Turn this Brussels sprouts recipe into a whole meal! It pairs well with:

  • Main Dish: Pot Roast – Toss all your other recipes and try this one!
  • Side Dish: Creamy Mashed Potatoes – If you like potatoes you will want to make these. Put your pot roast on a bead of mashed potatoes.
  • Bread: Cauliflower Breadsticks – YUM! This is a great side dish and bread substitute.
  • Drink: Red Wine Sangria – This is one of my all time favorite sangria recipes. Use the rest of the wine leftover from your marinara recipe.
  • Dessert: Pineapple Upside Down Mini Cakes – Sweet and sour. These are amazing.
plate full of roasted brussels sprouts, roast, carrots and mashed potatoes

What are Brussels Sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are often called mini cabbages because they look like little cute cabbages. They look like little cute cabbages because they’re in the same family.

Brussels sprouts grow on a fibrous stalk. If you buy them on the stalk they are cheaper and will last in the refrigerator a lot longer before you use them.

brussels sprouts in field on stalk

Perfect Accompaniments With This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe:

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brussels sprouts on a plate

Tips for Cooking Brussels Sprouts

  1. Wash, dry and trim the Brussels sprouts. You’ll chop off and then discard the woody stems at the bottom of the sprouts. One of the main tips when you learn how to roast Brussels sprouts is to make sure you cut them in half to reduce their bitterness.
  2. Don’t overcook. You might have heard people saying Brussels sprouts are stinky. That can become stinky if you overcook. They won’t taste as good either. So skip the 1980’s version of Brussels sprouts and don’t overcook!
  3. Choose Brussels sprouts that feel tightly compacted and are hard when squeezed.
  4. Smaller sprouts tend to taste sweeter, use those if you have a choice.
baking sheet covered in roasted brussels sprouts

Ingredients:

  • Brussels Sprouts: Use fresh Brussels sprouts, washed and dried.
  • Pecans: Pecans make a great addition to this recipe. Keep them whole or crumble them up if you prefer. Roasted pecans provide the perfect texture with cooked Brussels sprouts.
  • Cranberries: Dried cranberries make a great flavor combination with the rest of the ingredients.
  • Oil + Salt + Pepper: You don’t need strong seasonings to make these taste good!
brussels sprouts ingredients

Possible Variations

  • Add bacon: Slice uncooked bacon into 1″ pieces. Throw them on top of the pan before you roast the Brussels sprouts. Everyone loves cooked Brussels sprouts with bacon!
  • Use balsamic: Drizzle a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar on your brussels sprouts before you toss them.
  • Add cheese: Grate some fresh parmesan on top right when they come out of the oven.
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plate with brussels sprouts, roast beef, carrots and mashed potatoes. Perfectly roasted.

How to Roast Brussels Sprouts:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Place ½ cup of dried cranberries in a cup of hot water and set aside. (this gives the dried cranberries a little plump)

cut brussels sprouts in bowl

Step 3: Wash and trim brussels sprouts. Cut in half.

Step 4: Toss together brussels sprouts, oil, salt, and pepper.

brussels sprouts mixed with spices and oil and put on baking sheet

Step 5: Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Try not to let them overlap.

Step 6: Roast for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Remove the pan from the oven, stir, and add the pecans and cranberries (drain the cranberries before adding) and cook for 5 minutes more or until the pecans are lightly toasted.

pan with roasted brussels sprouts

Serve while they’re hot. If you need to keep them warm you can put them in the oven at 150 degrees.

golden brown brussels sprouts

Questions About Roasted Brussels Sprouts

How long can you store roasted Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator?

You can store cooled and covered cooked Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat in the oven.

Can you store roasted Brussels sprouts in the freezer?

I do not recommend freezing cooked Brussels sprouts. They will not be as good reheated.

Is this Brussels sprouts recipe gluten free?

Yes. Double check that your dried cranberries don’t have any gluten additives but they should be naturally gluten free as well.

Is this Brussels sprouts recipe dairy free/vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy free and vegan.

Why should you cut Brussels sprouts in half before cooking?

Cutting Brussels sprouts in half will reduce their bitterness! Don’t skip this step!

baking sheet covered in roasted brussels sprouts
Print

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Easy Roasted Brussels sprouts with pecans and cranberries make a delicious and simple side dish.
Course Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine American
Keyword roasted brussels sprouts
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 219kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Ingredients

  • 1 pound brussels sprouts trimmed
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 1 cup whole pecans
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Place ½ cup of dried cranberries in a cup of hot water and set aside. (this gives the dried cranberries a little plump)
  • Toss together brussels sprouts, oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Roast for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, stir, and add the pecans and cranberries (drain the cranberries before adding) and cook for 5 minutes more or until the pecans are lightly toasted.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 213mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 579IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
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