Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

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Jalapeños and lime give this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce a unique flavor all its own. You’re going to love this combination of sweet, tart and spicy!

Eat, drink and be merry. That’s the mantra this time of year. 

I’ll admit, I find this time of year overwhelming. I don’t really like to shop. I don’t like crowds. I’m not very good at decorating either.

What I do like to do is cook. I don’t know about you, but I spend more time cooking at the holidays than I do any other time of year. 

I know I’ve mentioned before that the holidays revolve around food with my husband’s family. But I also love that my running friends like to cook too. Sometimes we share what we make to help another out when it’s been a rough week. Sometimes we talk about what we made and share recipes. And sometimes we cook together. To me, sharing food with family and friends is all about love. 

Enter this Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce. I didn’t even make the cranberry sauce this year for Thanksgiving. My mother-in-law did. But then my friend Leeann mentioned a vodka slushie she made with leftover spicy cranberry sauce from another friend, Mike. Nothing like a holiday vodka slushie to get the recipe wheels going!

Don’t judge me, please. It’s been a long month. We’re starting a software transition in the gym — yes, during our busy time of year. My stress level is a little high right now.

But back to my cranberry sauce…

This Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce has a spicy kick that complements the sweet and tart flavors. Lime adds the finishing touch at the end, and gives it a pop of flavor…and a wow factor!  I’m pretty much in love with this cranberry sauce!

How long does homemade cranberry sauce last?

In the refrigerator, you can store it in an airtight container for 10-14 days. 

If you’re freezing your homemade cranberry sauce, you’ll retain the best flavor for the first couple of months, although it will keep for longer (around a year). 

You can also freeze fresh cranberries in their packaging for up to a year, so if you want to make fresh cranberry sauce during the year, it’s a great idea to stock up at the holidays and freeze a few extra bags, since it’s usually difficult to find fresh cranberries once the holiday season is over.  

How to use Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

I bet you’ll be able to come up with a lot of different uses for this spicy cranberry sauce! 

Try it over goat cheese, brie, or even cream cheese for an easy appetizer. 

It makes a fabulous cocktail. Watch for a Jalapeño Cranberry Vodka Slushie in the next couple of days, courtesy of my friend Leeann. I have a feeling it would make a fabulous margarita too! I’ll be trying that too. 

Give your grilled cheese a gourmet twist!

A couple spoonfuls over vanilla ice cream is pretty amazing too! Had that the other night…so good!

Of course you could enjoy it in the traditional way as well. 

How to make Spicy Jalapeño Cranberry Sauce

In a large saucepan, combine diced jalapeño peppers, honey, salt, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 

Add cranberries, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. The cranberries will burst during the cooking. Stir often. 

Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and zest. Allow to cool. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.