📖 Instructions

1. First things first, gather your ingredients! Make sure your cranberries are fresh and plump. If using frozen, make sure they are completely thawed before proceeding. This is really important, I learned this the hard way... once.
2. Next, let's prep the cranberries. Give them a quick rinse and remove any stems. No need to be too precise here, unless you are one of *those* people.
3. Now for the zest! Using a microplane or a fine grater, zest the orange. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of zest; try to avoid getting any of the bitter white pith. It's easier than you think, just go slow and steady.
4. Grab a small saucepan and add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, and water. Give it a good stir. Make sure everything is nicely combined, but don't be overly zealous.
5. Place the saucepan over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Low and slow is the key here, otherwise you’ll have a cranberry explosion!!
6. Once it comes to a simmer, cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. If you find that your cranberry sauce is a bit too chunky, you can use an immersion blender to give it a smoother texture. However, I personally prefer a little texture, so it’s up to you!
8. Once the cranberry sauce is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This is very important, trust me.
9. Once it's completely cooled, taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Maybe add a pinch more sugar, or even a dash of orange liqueur if you're feeling fancy. (Just sayin’)
10. Transfer the cranberry sauce dip to a serving bowl and garnish with a few extra orange zest strips and maybe some fresh cranberries for that extra touch of elegance. (Or not. I'm not your boss!)
11. Serve chilled or at room temperature with your favorite dippers and watch your friends swoon over this delicious cranberry creation. That’s it! Easy peasy! Seriously, you did it!