Spiced Cranberry Sauce

1 c. water

1 c. sugar1 cinnamon stick2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger2 tsp. grated orange peel1/4 tsp. salt1/8 tsp. ground cloves12 oz. fresh cranberriesIn a medium saucepan, combine first seven ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in cranberries and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and sauce is slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and remove the cinnamon stick. Let cool.

Variations

1. Use 1/2 c. water and 1/2 c. orange or apple juice, and reduce sugar to 1/2 cup.

2. Add 1 c. raisins and/or chopped dried apricots.

3. Omit fresh ginger and stir in 1/4 c. chopped crystallized ginger before serving.

(Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine)