3-Ingredient Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Years ago, my sister asked me to try making her 3-ingredient fresh cranberry sauce. Here’s the deal: we all use cranberry sauce for different festive meals over the holidays. I grew up with the canned jellied cranberry sauce.

I never knew you could make it at home. We would use the jellied sauce on our Thanksgiving plates and, later on, smear it on turkey sandwiches with cream cheese.

Then, I made my sister’s 3-ingredient fresh cranberry sauce recipe, and my life changed forever. I have tried it with spices, orange, and lemon rind, but I always return to the plain recipe with sugar and water. It’s chunky and sweet, but not overly sweet. It’s just right.

The History of 3-Ingredient Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberry sauce may feel like a modern, simplified twist on a holiday classic, but its roots stretch deep into early American food traditions. Cranberries—one of the few fruits native to North America—were used for centuries by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. Groups such as the Wampanoag harvested wild cranberries for food, medicine, and dyes, often mixing them with maple syrup and dried meats to create early forms of pemmican. This natural sweet-and-tart pairing laid the groundwork for our beloved cranberry condiments.

When European settlers arrived in New England, they quickly incorporated cranberries into their own recipes. By the 17th and 18th centuries, households were simmering cranberries with sugar or honey, creating rustic sauces that resembled an early version of today’s cranberry sauce. Sugar was scarce at the time, so recipes tended to be very simple, often consisting of just cranberries, water, and whatever sweetener was available. Sound familiar?

The actual shift occurred in the 19th century, when sugar became more affordable and cranberries were commercially cultivated, especially in Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Simple stovetop cranberry sauces became a Thanksgiving staple in many American homes long before canned cranberry jelly hit grocery store shelves in the 1940s.

The modern 3-ingredient version, typically cranberries, sugar, and water or orange juice, is really a nod to those earliest preparations. It’s the purest form of the classic: whole berries gently simmered until they burst, sweetened just enough to mellow the tartness, and finished into a glossy, ruby-red sauce. No preservatives, no extra fillers, just the way early American cooks would have done it, only with the convenience of modern kitchens.

Today, the 3-ingredient recipe has resurfaced in popularity amid a push for homemade, fresh, and simple holiday dishes. It’s a nostalgic return to tradition, proving that sometimes the oldest recipes are still the best ones.

Ingredients – Fresh Cranberry Sauce

• Fresh Cranberries: A small, hard, round red fruit. Known to be sour and bitter. It is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Be sure to use fresh cranberries in this recipe!
• White Granulated Sugar: Preserves the color, texture, and flavor of food. It helps the fresh cranberries break down and thicken. Increases the flavor of any other ingredients.
• Water: Used to wash the cranberries and dissolve the sugar while boiling and softening the cranberries during cooking.

Kitchen Items You May Need:

• 6-Quart Saucepan
• Colander
• Measuring Cups
• Jars to store the Cranberry Sauce
• Danish Whisk
• Potato Masher

Fresh Cranberry Sauce Instructions

Step One: Gather all of the Ingredients

Gather all of the ingredients you will need for the fresh cranberry sauce. It’s pretty straightforward, but only 3.

Step Two: Wash the Cranberries

Wash the cranberries after sorting them and discarding any bad ones.

Step Three: Boil Water and Sugar

In a medium saucepan or pot, bring the water and white sugar to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step Four: Allow the Sugar to Dissolve

Continue boiling the water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step Five: Add Cranberries to the Sugar & Water Mixture – Stir

Add the cranberries to the sugar mixture and stir until the cranberries break down slightly and thicken.

Step Six: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Bring the cranberries and sugar mixture to a boil. Simmer.

Step Seven: Use a Potato Masher if Desired

As the cranberries heat up, you’ll begin to hear them start to pop. This is when you know the cranberries are softening, and the natural pectin they contain will be released.

It’s time to use a potato masher to break down most soft cranberries. There’s no chopping or need for a food processor! 

Step Eight: Mixture Thickens as it Cools

The mixture will thicken more when it cools and is refrigerated. 

Step Nine: Fill Jars When Mixture Cools

Fill your jars with the cranberry sauce once it has cooled to room temperature. Refrigerate until needed. It will keep for up to ten days.

Finished Product

3-Ingredient Fresh Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Print

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 10 people

Author Linda Loosli

Ingredients

• 1 32-ounce fresh cranberries
• 2-1/2 cups white granulated sugar
• 2-1/2 cups water

Instructions

• Gather all of the ingredients.
• Using a colander, wash the cranberries after sorting through them and discarding the bad ones.
• In a medium saucepan, boil the water and sugar together.
• Continue to boil the water and sugar together until the sugar completely dissolves.
• Add the cranberries to the sugar and water mixture and stir until the cranberries break down slightly and start to thicken.
• Bring the cranberries and sugar mixture to a boil. Simmer.
• Use a potato masher to break down most of the soft cranberries. There is no chopping involved or the need to use a food processor! 
• The mixture will thicken more when it cools and is refrigerated. 
• Fill your jars with the cranberry sauce after it cools down a bit. Refrigerate until needed. It will keep for up to ten days.

What do you use fresh cranberry sauce for?

• It tastes delicious on a slice of fresh turkey!
• Use it as a spread on toast.
• When poured over a block of cream cheese, it makes a delicious appetizer served with crackers!
• On leftover turkey sandwiches. Yum!

Are there any delicious variations to this fresh cranberry sauce recipe?

I love this fresh cranberry sauce made as is! If you want to try a different variation, I have added some orange zest, lemon rind, fresh orange juice, or spices.

I think it might be fun to try other variations, such as adding bits of apple or pears, pecans, fresh ginger, or a pinch of spice like nutmeg, allspice, pumpkin spice, or a cinnamon stick. Although I have tried other variations, I always tend to return to the original version. It is perfect!

Can I use a liquid sweetener instead of sugar in this fresh cranberry sauce recipe?

You are welcome to use a liquid sweetener such as maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup. Please note that additional liquid will be needed with this alternative sweetener, so the sauce’s texture will differ.

If you decide to use one of these sweeteners, please allow the water to cook for several minutes or use a little less water to begin with. I typically use only white sugar because I love the sweetness of both sugar and cranberries. They work well together, with just the right amount of sweetness!

Brown sugar is an additional alternative. Use a 1:1 ratio of brown sugar instead of granulated white sugar.

Can you freeze fresh cranberry sauce?

The fresh cranberry sauce freezes well. I highly recommend cooling it entirely and pouring it into freezer-safe bags if you want to freeze it. It should freeze well for up to 6 months if properly stored.

What can I do if my cranberry sauce tastes a little bitter?

You may think you should grab the sugar and add more. But sugar will make it worse. Remember, you need to dissolve the sugar, and once it’s made, that won’t work very well.

Try adding a teaspoon or so of maple syrup. Add it gradually until the bitterness goes away.

Is cranberry sauce supposed to be sweet or sour?

It should be a combination or balance of sweet and tart.

Why does my cranberry sauce smell like vinegar?

Here’s the deal: it’s probably fermented and is unsafe to eat. If it smells sour, like vinegar or wine, discard it.

What tastes good with cranberry sauce?

• Turkey, Stuffing, etc.
• Cream Cheese
• Brie Cheese
• Oatmeal
• Nuts, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds

Do you love the taste of fresh cranberries? Check out these other cranberry recipes:

• Cranberry Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread
• Fresh Cranberry Salad Recipe
• Cranberry Banana Coffee Cake
• How To Make Turkey Cranberry Roll-Ups
• The Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe
• How To Make Cranberry Pie For Christmas or Thanksgiving

Are there any health benefits to eating cranberries?

Cranberries are very healthy for you, especially when eaten as a fresh fruit. One cup of cranberries only has 46 calories, no fat, 4 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, only one gram of protein, and 2 milligrams of sodium, as you find in salt. They have 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Of course, you’d consume more calories with the sugar in this sauce. They have a bunch of antioxidants that help protect your body’s cells. They contain vitamins C, A, and K. The amount of potassium, iron, and calcium isn’t significant.

Studies have shown that cranberries help improve eyesight and cardiovascular health. If you struggle with urinary tract infections, you may want to include cranberries in your daily food prep routine, as they can help reduce them. Cranberries won’t clear an infection, so other medical treatments are needed once it has set in. They are also known to improve overall digestive health, possibly due to their fiber content.

Be aware that if you’re on prescribed blood thinners like warfarin, the vitamin K found in cranberries may interfere with those meds, so consult your doctor before eating a high concentration of cranberries or their juice.

My Thanksgiving Tip

I have done this for years: laminate your recipes and grab some cookie sheets. Place all of the measured ingredients on each cookie sheet so those helping with the meal can make the recipe easily.

Final Word

Please let me know if you decide to make this delicious fresh cranberry sauce. Nothing is better at a Thanksgiving feast or Christmas dinner than homemade cranberry sauce! The tartness of the cranberries, along with the granulated white sugar and related sweetness, makes the sauce just right! Let me know how yours turns out; I’d love to hear from you. May God bless this world. Linda

The post 3-Ingredient Fresh Cranberry Sauce appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

How to Raise Nubian Goats on the Homestead

When homesteaders start thinking about livestock, they usually think of chickens, cows, or pigs, but increasingly we are seeing goats gain more ground in the United States. They’re much smaller and cheaper than larger livestock and are truly multi-purpose, capable of producing meat, milk, and in some cases valuable fiber. But as always, picking the ... Read more

How to Raise Nubian Goats on the Homestead can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!

from New Life On A Homestead

100 Items To Declutter From Your Home

If your home feels a little heavier than it used to, you’re not alone. Clutter has a way of sneaking in quietly, through closets, junk drawers, kids’ toys, kitchen cabinets, and all the “I’ll deal with it later” piles. The good news? Clearing space doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes all it takes is a simple list to help you get started. That’s why I’ve created this helpful guide of 100 items you can declutter from your home today. These are everyday things we tend to hold onto without realizing how much space they take up. With each unnecessary item you remove, you gain a little more breathing room, a little more peace, and a lot more simplicity. Let’s free up your home and make room for what truly matters.

Descriptions for All 100 Items to Declutter

Kitchen

1. Expired food: Takes up valuable pantry and fridge space and can be unsafe to eat.
2. Duplicate spatulas: Extra utensils crowd drawers and make it harder to find what you need.
3. Old plastic containers without lids: Useless without matching pieces and a source of clutter.
4. Lids without containers: The other half of the lost-container problem. Tupperware Containers
5. Chipped plates or cups: Can harbor bacteria and look worn.
6. Unused small appliances: If you haven’t used it in a year, you likely never will.
7. Excess water bottles: These multiply fast and eat up cabinet space.
8. Takeout sauce packets: They pile up more quickly than you realize and often expire.
9. Old dish towels: Stained or threadbare towels add visual clutter.
10. Stained oven mitts: Worn-out mitts are both unsightly and unsafe. Oven Mitts
11. Outdated spices: lose flavor over time, making cooking less enjoyable.
12. Single-use gadgets you don’t use: Niche tools often sit forgotten in drawers.
13. Extra mugs: Everyone has more than they realistically need.
14. Rusty baking pans: hard to clean and no longer food-safe. Cookie Sheets
15. Excess shopping bags: Plastic and paper bags accumulate faster than you can use them.

Living Room

16. Old magazines: Outdated reading material that collects dust.
17. DVDs you no longer watch: Streaming has replaced physical discs for many people.
18. Remote controls for devices you no longer own: Unnecessary clutter.
19. Worn-out throw pillows: Make a space look tired and dated.
20. Old candles: Half-burned candles rarely get used again.
21. Board games with missing pieces: No longer playable or fun. Monopoly Board Game
22. Décor you don’t love: Takes up space without adding joy.
23. Books you’ll never reread: Freeing up shelf space feels refreshing.
24. Dead plants: A simple toss instantly brightens a room.
25. Extra blankets: Keep only what you actually use.

Bedroom

26. Clothing that no longer fits: Creates closet overwhelm and frustration.
27. Worn-out socks: Holes and stretched-out pairs take up drawer space.
28. Broken jewelry: If you’re not going to repair it, it’s not worth keeping.
29. Empty shoe boxes: Often saved “just in case” but rarely needed.
30. Purses you never use: Bulk up your closet without purpose.
31. Old belts: If cracked or unused, they’re simply taking up space.
32. Extra hangers: Bent or mismatched hangers contribute to a cluttered look.
33. Sheets with holes: Damaged linens aren’t worth storing. Consider making them into wash rags.
34. Worn-out slippers: Flat, torn, or ignored footwear needs to go.
35. Accessories you don’t wear: Scarves, hats, and belts that sit unused.

Bathroom

36. Expired medicine: Unsafe to use and clogs cabinets.
37. Old makeup: Can cause irritation or breakouts once expired.
38. Dried-up nail polish: No longer usable and takes up space.
39. Extra hotel toiletry bottles: Often untouched and unnecessary.
40. Worn-out hair ties: Stretched or broken ones are useless.
41. Broken hair tools: Irons, dryers, or brushes that no longer work.
42. Expired sunscreen: Loses effectiveness and shouldn’t be used.
43. Old razors: Rusty or dull blades take up room and aren’t safe.
44. Almost-empty product bottles: Lingering clutter that’s easy to toss.
45. Stretched-out washcloths: No longer soft or practical.

Office

46. Pens that don’t write: Test and toss to instantly reduce drawer junk.
47. Old receipts: Most receipts can be digitized or discarded.
48. Outdated paperwork: Free up filing space by shredding what’s no longer needed.
49. Broken office supplies: Cracked scissors or empty tape dispensers are useless.
50. Extra phone chargers: Keep one or two and donate the rest.
51. Duplicated computer cables: Most people only need a few essential cords.
52. Empty notebooks: If you haven’t used them in years, you likely won’t.
53. Old calendars: Take up drawer space for no reason.
54. Business cards you don’t need: Digitize or recycle them.
55. Manuals for products you no longer own: Recycle these immediately.

Kids’ Items

56. Toys they’ve outgrown: Clear space for what fits their current age.
57. Broken crayons: Crumbs and small pieces create a mess.
58. Puzzles with missing pieces: Impossible to complete.
59. Books they’ve outgrown: Donate to make room for new reading levels.
60. Old craft supplies: Dried glue, scraps, and half-used kits.
61. Kids’ artwork you don’t need to keep: Save favorites, recycle the rest.
62. Stained baby clothes: Not worth storing or passing down.
63. Duplicate toys: Extras that never get played with.
64. Outgrown shoes: Kids‘ sizes outgrow them, so don’t store unnecessary pairs.
65. Extra stuffed animals: These multiply fast and overwhelm rooms.

Closets & Storage

66. Old pillows: Lose shape and collect allergens.
67. Holiday décor you never use: Free up attic or garage space.
68. Extra bedding: Keep only the sets you actually rotate.
69. Luggage you don’t use: Bulky items that often sit untouched.
70. Old cell phones: donate or recycle responsibly.
71. Random cords and chargers: If you don’t know where they go, let them go.
72. Burned-out candles: The waxy leftovers sit in storage.
73. Gift bags you’ll never reuse: Keep a few favorites, recycle the rest.
74. Old paint cans: Dispose of dried-up or useless leftovers.
75. Broken tools: if they’re beyond repair, they’re clutter.

Garage

76. Flat sports balls: Often not worth repairing.
77. Old gardening gloves: Torn or cracked ones aren’t helpful.
78. Rusty tools: Unsafe and not practical.
79. Dried paint brushes: Hardened brushes can’t be used again.
80. Extra car-cleaning products: Empty or outdated bottles sit on shelves.
81. Broken outdoor toys: Take up space and rarely get fixed.
82. Duplicate yard tools: Keep only what you use regularly.
83. Old propane tanks: a safety hazard and an unnecessary storage burden.
84. Worn-out coolers: Cracked or leaky coolers need to go.
85. Empty boxes waiting for “someday”: Recycle unless you have a specific need.

Miscellaneous

86. Old greeting cards: Keep only the truly sentimental ones.
87. Broken picture frames: If you haven’t fixed them yet, you likely won’t.
88. Duplicate blankets: Too many textiles take up valuable storage.
89. Old luggage tags: Outdated travel accessories that add clutter.
90. Keychains you don’t use: Small but unnecessary items.
91. Dead batteries: Recycle them properly to free up drawer space.
92. Electronics you no longer use: Donate or recycle to reduce e-waste.
93. Pet supplies from past pets: Emotional, but unnecessary to keep.
94. Random knick-knacks: Dust-collecting items without meaning or purpose.
95. Frayed extension cords: Unsafe and should be discarded.
96. Old planners: Outdated calendars fill shelves.
97. Duplicated household tools: Keep your best versions and let the rest go.
98. Water-damaged books: Can harbor mold and are rarely salvageable.
99. Souvenirs you don’t care about: Sentimental clutter without actual value.
100. Anything you keep “just in case”: These items often never get used and weigh down your space.

How To Declutter Every Room In Your Home

How to Organize Your Home

Final Word

Decluttering your home doesn’t happen all at once; it happens one small decision at a time. Whether you tackle just a few items from this list or work your way through all 100, every step you take brings more clarity, more space, and more peace into your home. Remember, letting go isn’t about losing things; it’s about gaining room for what truly matters. With each drawer you simplify and each shelf you free up, you’re creating a home that supports your life rather than overwhelms it. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate your progress as you go. You deserve a home that feels calm, organized, and truly yours. May God bless this world, Linda

The post 100 Items To Declutter From Your Home appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

How to Make a Bacon Fat Candle

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

If you're a bacon lover who hates wasting good grease, this project is for you. Not only is bacon fat an amazing cooking ingredient, but it can also be transformed into a long-burning, surprisingly clean-smelling emergency candle. Plus, it smells great (though it’s not as strong as you might expect).

Bacon fat candles only require only a few basic materials, and they burn longer than you’d think. This tutorial comes from the YouTube channel Finding Self Reliance. You can see the video and instructions below.

Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It On Pinterest!

What You’ll Need

• Bacon grease (strained to remove meat bits)
• A container (glass jar, tin, or mug)
• A wick (cotton string, t-shirt strip, jute twine, or a twisted paper towel)
• Pencil or stick (to hold the wick in place while pouring)

Optional:

• Clove hitch (for tying the wick)
• Microwave (for melting hardened grease)

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Bacon Grease Candle

Step 1: Cook and Save Your Grease

Fry up some bacon and pour the leftover grease into a jar. Strain it through a fine mesh or coffee filter to remove food bits. You can save up grease over time by storing it in a glass jar with a tight lid.

Step 2: Melt the Grease

If your bacon grease has solidified, gently warm it in the microwave until it becomes pourable. Be careful not to overheat.

Step 3: Prepare the Wick

Cut a piece of twine, string, or cloth long enough to reach the bottom of your jar, with a few inches extra at the top. Tie the top end around a pencil and balance the pencil across the top of the jar, so the wick hangs down the center.

Tip: To secure the wick, try a clove hitch knot. It holds well and looks tidy.

Step 4: Pour the Grease

Slowly pour the melted grease into your jar, making sure the wick stays centered. Leave a little space at the top.

Let it cool at room temperature, or place it in the fridge to speed up the solidifying process.

Step 5: Trim and Light

Once the grease has fully set, trim the wick to about ½ inch above the surface. Light it like a regular candle.

How Well Does It Work?

Surprisingly well. The candle burns cleanly with very little smoke and no overpowering bacon smell. It can easily last several hours. One test showed a 2+ hour burn with minimal fat consumption.

Bonus Tip: Use a jar with a lid to snuff the candle by starving it of oxygen. No smoke, no mess.

Like this post? Don't Forget to Pin It On Pinterest!

You May Also Like:

• 8 Ways to Build a Fire
• How to Make a 100-Hour Candle
• 18 Pioneer Recipes That Taste Amazing
• 25 Frontier Recipes You're Going To Love
• How to Build a Self-Feeding Fire

The post How to Make a Bacon Fat Candle appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.

from Homestead Survival Site https://ift.tt/ibJMzNp

Frankincense for Wound Healing: How the Ancient Egyptians Treated Injuries Without Antibiotics

Frankincense has this way of slipping through history almost unnoticed, except by the people who depended on it the most. Long before hospitals, penicillin, or even the idea of a sterile bandage, healers along the Nile kept small jars of this golden resin close at hand. They did not have the language of chemistry, but ... Read more...

from Prepper's Will