1-Getting started with this cranberry orange sauce is as easy as rounding up your ingredients and diving in. First, combine the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and optional alcohol in a small pot. This sets the stage for a burst of flavors that come together quickly on the stove.

2-Next, place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, cover it, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cranberries start to pop. You’ll hear those fun popping sounds as everything melds together, which is a sign it’s working just right.

3-After that, remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes to get the sauce even thicker, especially if you’re using frozen cranberries, which might need a bit longer. Then, take it off the heat and let it cool before refrigerating until you’re ready to serve. Finish with a garnish of freshly grated orange zest for that extra pop of flavor. This whole process, from prep to table, takes just 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.

4-For a silkier texture, give the sauce a quick mash or blend after cooking. If you’re pairing it with something like grilled chicken recipes, adjust the sweetness to complement the savory notes.