Instructions

1. Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or bruised berries. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Add the rinsed cranberries to the boiling sugar-water mixture. Return to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the cranberries simmer for about 10 minutes. You'll hear the cranberries pop as they cook.
5. Once the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6. Stir in the zest of 1 orange and 1 cinnamon stick for added flavor. Allow the sauce to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
7. Remove the cinnamon stick before transferring the cranberry sauce to a serving dish.