CRANBERRY SAUCE w/DATES & ORANGE

By BobD

Ingredients

• 4 CUPS
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 strips orange zest (see Cooking Tips)
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pitted dates (6 oz), divided
• 2 (12-oz) bags cranberries (thawed if frozen), divided

Preparation

Step 1

Simmer water, sugar, zest, juice, vinegar, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring, 3 minutes.

Add half of dates and half of cranberries and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to burst, about 7 minutes.

Stir in remaining dates and cranberries and simmer until remaining cranberries begin to burst, about 7 minutes more.

Serve at room temperature.

COOKS NOTE: Sauce can be made 3 days ahead and chilled.