Makesabout 4 cups
- Active time:15 min
- Start to finish:25 min
November 2008
To the traditional orange-cranberry combination, we’ve added Mediterranean touches: dates for their honeylike sweetness and a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors.
-
1
cup
water
-
1 1/4
cups
sugar
-
3
strips orange zest (see Cooking Tips)
-
1
cup
fresh orange juice
-
3
tablespoons
balsamic vinegar
-
1
(3-inch) cinnamon stick
-
1
cup
coarsely chopped pitted dates (6 oz), divided
-
2
(12-oz) bags cranberries (thawed if frozen), divided
-
Simmer water, sugar, zest, juice, vinegar, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring, 3 minutes. Add half of dates and half of cranberries and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to burst, about 7 minutes. Stir in remaining dates and cranberries and simmer until remaining cranberries begin to burst, about 7 minutes more. Serve at room temperature.
Cooks’ note: Sauce can be made 3 days ahead and chilled.
