In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, water, and orange juice, and bring to a boil. Add the cranberries, cinnamon stick, orange zest, and salt.
Bring to a boil for 1 minute before reducing the heat to medium low and simmering for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst. Remove the pan from heat, take out the cinnamon stick, and stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring to a container to chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Garnish with orange zest, if desired.
This is the best cranberry sauce recipe, and it only takes about 10 minutes to make! A can of cranberry sauce may seem convenient, but it is full of preservatives and is nothing in comparison to fresh cranberry sauce.
This easy recipe will make your fresh berries pop with fall flavors and be the perfect complement to your holiday season meals!