I love pretty much all things Thanksgiving and holiday – especially the food. And of course, the big turkey dinner with all the fixings is one of the top items of my list of favourites. And my idea of the perfect accompaniment for the turkey? Cranberry sauce.

I love making my own version of the sauce just the way I like it – a little tart and with a little crunch (thanks to the almonds). Now, obviously I cannot eat all of this sauce by myself, so if no one joins me in my cranberry enjoyment (my family very much loves gravy), then I freeze it into portioned sections for the next few holidays (it freezes amazingly well).

If you like it a little sweeter, try adding a little more maple syrup (or whichever sweetener wish) and using a more fruit-forward/jammy red wine vs a dry one. The best part, is you can adjust the portions as you prefer them.

INGREDIENTS

340g fresh cranberries
1 granny smith apple, diced
1/4 cup maple syrup (or more to taste)*
1/2 dry red wine
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 cup sliced almonds

*You can use sugar, maple syrup or honey to sweeten – whichever you like best.

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium size pot, add the cranberries, apple, maple syrup, wine and spices. Simmer for 10-15 mins or until the apples soften and the cranberries start to breakdown and the liquid is almost all gone. Taste and add more maple syrup (or your choice of sweetener) if it is too tart. Add the almonds and stir to integrate.

Place into a serving bowl and enjoy!

Makes approximately 2.5 cups of cranberry sauce.