1small stick cinnamon or ½ of a regular-sized one, Note 3
2-3cloves
1small star anise
small pinch of red pepper flakesor cayenne pepper, to taste
1tiny pinch of salt
⅛teaspoonground black pepper
1 ½tablespoonscornstarch Note 4
2-3tablespoonscold water
Instructions
Simmer: Place cranberries, orange zest and juice, cranberry or apple juice, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and all the spices in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the cranberries plump up.
Optional: Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Use enough water to have a thick yet pourable paste.
Whisk the slurry into the sauce and stir until thickened about 1 minute. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Serve immediately, or let the cranberry sauce cool slightly and transfer it to a jar. Reheat before serving.
Notes
Cranberries: Craisins and dried cranberries are the same thing; craisins are a trademarked name for a specific brand Ocean Spray produces. If using unsweetened cranberries, you might need to add more sugar (to taste).
Orange: Using an unwaxed orange is preferable, as you will also need its zest.
Spices: You can use only cinnamon or all the suggested spices. Alternatively, experiment with spices like a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, or ginger. You could also use a bit of pumpkin spice or even carrot cake spice.
Cornstarch: Thickening the sauce with cornstarch is optional. You can leave the sauce as it is or cook it for a few extra minutes to reduce it a bit more.