Very Cranberry

First sign of the holidays -- making cranberry sauce from scratch today!

After years and years of buying canned cranberry sauce and actually enjoying the little "kerplop"of the crimson cylinder, I made cranberry sauce for the first time last year. 

I was immediately won over and decided to try again this year. Luckily, it stores so well, I could make it early. 

I started with these fresh beauties from Trader Joe's. 

Then squeezed 1 cup of fresh orange juice.

Sprinkled in 1 cup of sugar.

Then added a little bouquet of 5 allspice seeds, 5 whole cloves, 1 1/2 inch of cinnamon. I didn't have cheese cloth, so I used a tea ball, which seems to work just fine. 

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently. Simmer until thickened, about 25-30 minutes. 

Mmm!