Spiced Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce: A Festive Classic Reimagined

Welcome to The Nourished Wanderer! I’m Chef Ashley, and I’m so excited to kick off this blog with the start of my 12 Days of Holiday Recipes. This space is where my love for food, nutrition, and travel come together to create meals that nourish both body and soul.

Now, before I dive into the recipe, let me share a bit about myself. I’ve been in the culinary world for over 16 years—yes, I’ve spent more time in kitchens than most people spend watching Netflix (though I do enjoy both).

My journey into the world of food began at a young age, inspired by my grandmother. My grandma is one of those amazing grandmas who, if you walk in through the door, you are not leaving unless you eat, whether you ate before you came or not.  Watching her cook was like attending a master class in love and flavors. Her cooking fueled my passion, much like Remy from Ratatouille (minus the rat part, of course). This deep love and passion for food eventually led me to pursue a career in the culinary arts, starting as a busser and working my way through every position in the back of the house. Eventually, this led me to train under a master chef and become a chef myself. His teachings shaped my approach to food—respect for every ingredient, precision in technique, and a passion for creating dishes that evoke emotion.

As I continued to evolve in the kitchen, I realized food’s true power goes beyond taste—it’s a vital part of our health and wellness. This inspired me to study nutrition, so I can officially help you eat well while keeping your taste buds happy. Combining my culinary expertise and nutritional knowledge, I believe food should nourish the body, mind, and soul.

Whether I’m traveling to discover local flavors or creating my own dishes, I’m always guided by my love for food as a universal language—a bridge between culture, wellness, and joy. And today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite recipes that embodies the magic of the holidays: Spiced Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce. You might be thinking, “Isn’t cranberry sauce just the stuff that comes out of a can and looks like jelly?” Oh, no, no, no. Not today. We’re elevating this classic holiday staple into something that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. And while you're at it, it might even boost your immune system, so you can really enjoy that turkey.

A Dish That Tells a Story

 Food is universal—it connects us, nourishes us, and inspires us. This Spiced Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor, culture, and maybe even your secret cranberry superhero status. Whether you’re spooning it over turkey, swirling it into yogurt, or pairing it with cheese, it’s bound to bring a burst of joy to your holiday table.

Why Cranberry Sauce Deserves a Makeover

Cranberry sauce often gets overlooked, relegated to the corner of the plate next to the mashed potatoes. But folks, it’s time we give it the spotlight it deserves! This Spiced Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce is a showstopper that’s tart, sweet, spiced, and with a secret weapon—bourbon vanilla. Yes, bourbon and vanilla. Because who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, so it’s basically a health food disguised as a holiday treat.

Fun Fact: Did you know that cranberries are often touted as a superfood for their ability to support urinary tract health? So, while you’re eating this sauce, just know you’re doing your body a favor. You’re basically a cranberry superhero now.

Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1/2 cup water

• 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked through

• Pinch of salt

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 piece of orange peel (use a potato peeler or paring knife)

• 1 teaspoon Bourbon vanilla extract (see notes for substitutions)

2. Build the Flavor Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, water, salt, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved The mixture will become fragrant and syrupy, like a warm hug for your senses.

Fun Fact: Orange peel is not just for flavor—it’s also loaded with antioxidants. So, when you throw that peel in, you’re actually sneaking in a little extra vitamin C. Think of it as an immune boost while you get festive.

3. Introduce the Cranberries

Add the cranberries to the saucepan. Stir them into the liquid and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As the heat works its magic, the cranberries will begin to burst, releasing their juicy goodness into the sauce. You’ll start to see the color transform—red to rich, deep hues. It’s like watching a holiday miracle unfold.

Yet another Fun Fact: Cranberries contain antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. They help fight inflammation and support heart health, so really, it’s like you’re eating a dessert and giving your heart a spa day.

4. Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch the cranberries burst and the sauce thicken. This is where the magic happens. Your sauce will transform from a pool of berries to a luxurious, jam-like consistency. It’s basically a spa treatment for your holiday dinner.

Chef’s Tip: If you like your sauce smooth, you can gently mash the cranberries with a spoon or potato masher. If you’re more into texture, just let them burst naturally. Either way, you’re going to have a sauce that’s better than anything you can get in a can.

5. Add the Bourbon Vanilla

 In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, stir in the bourbon vanilla extract. If you’re using a mix of bourbon and vanilla bean, go ahead and add them now. Let it simmer a little longer to mellow the alcohol. Trust me, this is the part where your sauce goes from “yep, it’s cranberry sauce” to “WOW, this is special.”

Fun Fact: Bourbon vanilla extract is magic. Not only does it add a depth of flavor, but it also gives off that warm, comforting scent. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.

6. Cool and Serve

Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. As it cools, the sauce will thicken further, making it perfect for serving. Get ready to wow your guests.

Chef’s Notes

• Make It Ahead: This cranberry sauce is one of those dishes that actually gets better when made ahead. It’s like a fine wine. Store it in the fridge for a day or two, and let the flavors mingle.

• Substitution Tip: If you can’t find bourbon vanilla extract, mix 1/4 cup bourbon and the seeds of a vanilla bean pod. Simmer longer to reduce the alcohol if desired.

• Storage: Store this gem in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze it for up to three months. It’s like having a holiday emergency backup in your freezer—you're welcome.

• 
  

12 Days of Holiday Recipes

This recipe is just the start of my 12 Days of Holiday Recipes! Each day, I’ll be sharing dishes inspired by my travels, my experiences in the kitchen, and my love for wholesome, flavorful cooking. We’ll explore how food can bring us closer to the people, places, and memories we cherish most.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Welcome to The Nourished Wanderer—where flavor, wellness, and wanderlust come together to create unforgettable experiences.

-Chef Ashley

Want to print? Click below to download.

The Best Spiced bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce.pdf

Download PDF • 165KB