Spicy Cranberry Pepper Holiday Sauce

As foodies, we're all about taking the classics and giving them a little something extra to make them our own. So instead of the same cranberry sauce (that's still shaped like the can), why not take just 15 minutes to make this Spicy Cranberry Pepper Sauce to add some spice to your holiday meal?

It combines tart cranberries with orange zest, rosemary, and sugar with the secret ingredients: Southern Root Sister's Cranberry Pepper Jam and fresh jalapeño (just enough to give it a kick). We all want people talking about the side we brought to Thanksgiving, especially when food is our thing. This sauce is minimal effort and maximum flavor!

What you'll need:

• 12 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen (rinse before using if fresh)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  
• Zest of 1/2 orange (use only the bright orange part, the white pith will be bitter)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup Southern Roots Sisters Cranberry Pepper Jam
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (if using dried rosemary, use 1 1/2 tsp)

Method:

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, salt, and cranberry pepper jam.
2. Dissolve & Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the jam has thinned into the liquid.
3. Add Cranberries & Spice: Stir in the cranberries, diced jalapeño, and chopped rosemary.
4. Cook to Perfection: Continue to simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The cranberries will soften and begin to pop, naturally thickening the sauce.
5. Cool & Chill: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool completely to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to fully set.

Foodie Box Love Notes & Tips

• Presentation: For an impressive finishing touch, garnish the chilled sauce with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of fresh orange zest before serving.
• Next-Level Leftovers: Take your day-after Thanksgiving sandwich up a notch! Spread a thin layer of this sauce combined with softened butter onto your bread before adding your roast turkey.
• Customizing Heat & Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the spice! Omit the diced jalapeño for a milder, more jam-like sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra fiery kick. The amount of sugar can also be slightly reduced for a tarter flavor.

- Kaity Potter, Creative Social Media, Foodie Box Love