Cranberry Apple Sauce

 Ingredients

12 oz bag frozen cranberries

• 2-3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup liquid (water, apple juice, or orange juice)
• 1/2 to 1 cup sugar (white or brown, to taste) or maple syrup(I used 1/2 cup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or orange zest (optional, for brightness) 

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium to large saucepan, combine the frozen cranberries, chopped apples, liquid, sugar, and optional spices/zest.
2. Bring to a boil: Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become soft and the cranberries will burst open.
4. Mash: Once the fruit is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the mixture to your preferred texture.
5. Cool and store: The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools. Let it cool completely before serving, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. 

This simple sauce is perfect as a side dish for meats like pork or turkey, as a topping for desserts, or enjoyed on its own.