Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast: The Ultimate Homemade Apple Cranberry Tangerine Sauce Recipe

For many, Thanksgiving conjures images of a golden-brown turkey, magnificent and central to the holiday table. However, if I’m being completely honest, the turkey isn’t necessarily the highlight of my Thanksgiving feast, nor is the ham for that matter. What truly excites me, what makes my heart (and plate!) sing with anticipation, are all the incredible side dishes. These culinary companions—the savory stuffing, the vibrant roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, comforting casseroles, artisan breads, and, of course, a delectable cranberry sauce—are the true stars of my Thanksgiving experience. My plate is always piled high with these flavorful accompaniments. No disrespect to the turkey, of course; it certainly plays an important role in the tradition. But for me, the magic and the true essence of the holiday meal reside firmly in the array of diverse and delicious sides.

This year, the joy of the holiday season truly comes alive as we gather with my husband’s wonderful family. Our celebration will take place at my sister-in-law Maxine’s house, a heartwarming congregation of no less than 26 family members, and that’s even with some beloved relatives unable to join us! Imagine the scene: a lively orchestra of cousins playing, their laughter echoing through the house, while sisters collaborate diligently in the kitchen, orchestrating the culinary symphony. Our supportive spouses will undoubtedly be “bossed around” with good humor, lending helping hands wherever needed, and the great-grandparents will be watching it all unfold with smiles of contentment and pride. Such moments are truly precious, reminding us how incredibly blessed we are to share these bonds. Maxine’s home is surrounded by abundant, beautiful land, providing the perfect spacious and scenic backdrop for our large, joyous reunion, making every moment feel even more special and memorable.

As the holiday season draws near, I sincerely hope everyone takes a quiet moment to reflect upon and count their blessings, whatever form they may take in their lives. For me, my blessings are truly abundant and continuously overflowing. I am incredibly fortunate to have a strong and loving immediate family, alongside an extended family network that I can always rely on for unwavering support and endless laughter. My husband is not only my partner but also my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me in all my endeavors and even bringing me coffee in bed every single morning—a small gesture that means the world. Then there are my two happy children, who constantly inspire me, challenge me, and ultimately shape me into the person I am meant to be. This past year, like any other, has presented its fair share of challenges and necessary adjustments. While I strive to take everything in stride and face adversity with grace (a goal I don’t always achieve, but always pursue), I have learned profound lessons about life and about myself. I am deeply thankful for every single life lesson that has come my way, as each one has contributed to my growth and understanding. This year has also been particularly rich in the realm of friendships; my life feels more complete and vibrant than ever before, thanks to a few truly special individuals who have entered my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Perhaps the most significant life lesson I’ve embraced this year is the importance of always striving to be the best version of yourself, no matter the circumstances you find yourself in. We own our words, our actions, and our feelings. It is crucial to be confident in who you are, to never doubt your inherent worth, and, most importantly, never be afraid to embrace growth and change.

I extend my heartfelt blessings to everyone who takes the time to read my words here and offers encouragement along my journey. I truly love what I do, and I am ever so grateful for the incredible opportunities this little blog has brought into my life this year. What started as a simple passion project has blossomed, making my world feel simultaneously smaller and more interconnected—a beautiful paradox. It has allowed me to forge connections with wonderful people from all corners of the globe, sharing stories, recipes, and a mutual love for food and family. This sense of community, of being able to reach out and touch lives through shared experiences and culinary delights, is truly a blessing in itself, and one I cherish deeply.

In case you’re wondering what delectable contributions I’ll be bringing to the grand Thanksgiving spread this year, allow me to share my culinary lineup! Leading the charge will be this incredibly yummy and vibrantly flavored Apple Cranberry Tangerine Sauce. Its unique blend of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and bright citrus notes from the tangerine makes it a standout. Alongside this festive sauce, I’ll be proudly presenting some of my all-time favorite holiday accompaniments: these exquisite Roasted Green Beans with Shallots and Almonds, offering a perfect crunch and savory depth; deliciously sweet Roasted Carrots that practically caramelize in the oven; and, of course, the irreplaceable star of our family tradition, my beloved Nonna’s Italian Stuffing, a recipe steeped in generations of love and flavor. As I’ve said before, and will continue to declare with absolute conviction, the sides are undeniably where the true heart of the Thanksgiving meal resides!

Recipe: Apple-Cranberry-Tangerine Sauce

This vibrant and flavorful sauce, a cherished recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen, combines the classic tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples and the bright zest of tangerine for an unforgettable Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh squeezed tangerine juice (approx. 6-8 tangerines)
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (plus an additional 1/4 cup if desired, adjust to your preferred level of sweetness)
2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
2 (12 oz) bags fresh unsweetened cranberries, thoroughly rinsed
Zest from 2 tangerines
2 medium Jonagold or Gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
2 tablespoons cold water
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions:

In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the fresh tangerine juice, granulated sugar, and broken cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cinnamon to infuse.
Add the rinsed cranberries, tangerine zest, and diced apples to the simmering juice mixture. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Increase the heat to bring the sauce back to a slow boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst and soften, and the apples are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small separate bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of cold water and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Whisk vigorously until no lumps remain and you have a smooth, thin paste.
Remove the cranberry sauce from the heat. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the hot sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken as it cools.
Allow the sauce to cool completely at room temperature before serving. As it cools, it will thicken further to a perfect consistency.

Yields: Approximately 7 cups. This recipe makes a generous batch, so don’t hesitate to freeze some portions for later enjoyment or to have on hand for future meals!

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From my kitchen to yours, may you have the happiest and most blessed of Thanksgivings. And remember, it’s absolutely, wonderfully, and totally okay to wear yoga pants! Embrace comfort and joy!

xoxo