Cranberry-Pear Sauce with Rosemary and Ginger

This gorgeous, delicious cranberry-pear sauce is sure to be a hit this holiday season! It is super quick and easy to make and does not include any refined sugar. Instead, it gets its sweetness naturally from ripe pears and a touch of real maple syrup. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at store-bought cranberry sauce the same.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes, plus 15-20 minutes to cool

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

12 oz. fresh cranberries

2 medium ripe pears, peeled and diced

2 t. fresh ginger, peeled and grated
3 T. fresh rosemary leaves, finely diced

3 T. real maple syrup

¾ c. water

Sea salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Add cranberries, pear, ginger, rosemary leaves, maple syrup, and water to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to boil and the cranberries burst open, approximately 5 minutes.
   
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. While cooking, mash the cranberries and pears with a wooden spoon. Season with a pinch of sea salt and stir to combine.
   
3. Remove from heat and allow sauce to cool for 15-20 minutes before checking the consistency. Add a little water if the sauce is too thick. Taste and add more maple syrup for a sweeter sauce, if desired.
   
4. Optional: For a smoother sauce, blend one-half of the cranberry mixture in a food processor or blender until smooth. Stir puree back into the remaining sauce before serving.
   
5. Serve immediately or chill before serving. Enjoy!