Sweet apples and tart cranberries come together in this mouth-watering slow cooker apple cranberry sauce. Stir into yogurt, drizzle over ice cream or serve with potato pancakes.
Growing up in a mixed-religion household, I had the good fortune of learning how to make my Papa Leo’s famous Traditional Potato Latkes while simultaneously sipping eggnog by the Christmas tree. Don’t hate.
In similar fashion, now that we’ve covered Mexican Hot Chocolate for your cozy fire-side gatherings, it’s time for the next installment of Holiday Sizzle 2014: the Hanukkah dinner party!
My lovely and talented friend Abby has your table setting covered and I’m excited to share a twist on the classic potato latke accompaniment: Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Sauce.
The tart berries and crisp apples are a match made in heaven and provide the perfect balance to the creamy sour cream and crispy potato pancakes.
Even if you don’t celebrate Hanukkah, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy a fried potato in pancake form. You can hand-grate the potatoes and onions with a box grater or save time but pulsing them through a food processor.
Here are a few of my Papa Leo’s secrets to perfect potato latkes every time:
- Grate the Potatoes: Whatever you do, please do not shred the potatoes. These are not hash browns, folks. Grating both the potatoes and the onions produces the best end result and the ideal pancake consistency.
- Remove Excess Liquid: It is imperative that you remove any excess liquid that forms while you are grating the potatoes and onions. When I’m finished with all the grating, I like to use a kitchen towel to absorb any liquid that has formed, pushing down on all of the potatoes and onions.
- Salt Quickly: Within 10 seconds from removing the potato pancakes from the oil, sprinkle them with a generous pinch of Kosher salt. Just like any fried food (think potato chips, fried chicken, etc.), you must season them within a few seconds so that the oil is still hot allowing the salt to stick to the food.
Be sure to follow #HolidaySizzle2014 all season long for more delicious inspiration for the table and home. Next up? New Year’s Eve! Spoiler alert: it involves bacon.
Your fork is waiting.
- 4 apples core removed roughly chopped
- 3 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup water
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Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
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Serve chunky as is or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
Can be enjoyed warm, room temperature or chilled.
Store in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.
Don’t miss these other holiday side dish ideas!
Feed Me Phoebe: Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Latkes with Scallions
Jeanette’s Healthy Living: Warm Roasted Brussels Sprout Apple Salad with Blue Cheese and Pecans
The Wimpy Vegetarian: Lemon Roasted Fennel with Olives and Breadcrumbs #FallFest
Virtually Homemade: Green Beans with Brown Butter and Almonds
The Mom 100: Baked Squash with Chili and Maple Syrup
Domesticate Me: Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Avocado
Taste with the Eyes: Hanukkah Brisket Tamales with Carrot, Onion, and Jalapeño
FN Dish: 5 Seasonal Sides for Your Holiday Table
Kristy
Absolutely amazing! I (well I should say my 5 year old son), made this instead of our traditional cranberry sauce this past Thanksgiving. It was so easy to make and the flavors were on point. We followed the directions exactly and it wasn’t too tart or too sweet. I ended up not using the immersion blender as when it cooked down and we stirred it, we had very little chunks left and I felt it added more charm to it. I would make this over regular cranberry sauce everyday. 5 Stars!
Liz DellaCroce
Ahhh that makes me so happy!!!!!! So glad you enjoyed it Kristy!!
Jennifer
So how would this be as an alternative to traditional cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving?
Liz DellaCroce
It would be perfect for Thanksgiving!!! So good!
Joanne
Since I pretty much love applesauce and cranberry sauce on their own, I really think I would adore this combo. The perfect blend of sweet and tart!
Liz DellaCroce
I love the sweet tart also!!! Couldn’t stop eating it!
Gaby
This is a great recipe! So pretty and so simple!
Amanda
I bet this makes the house smell amazing as it cooks!!! Love this!!!
Liz DellaCroce
It made the house smell like a winter wonderland!
Wendy
I am obsessed with my slow cooker! I’ve never tried making this type of sauce in it. Will definitely try this.
Liz DellaCroce
Oh good I hope you like it Wendy!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
Yum! I will definitely be following all the holiday sizzles :)
Liz DellaCroce
Yay!! I hope you do!!
Liz@Virtually Homemade
This apple cranberry sauce would be amazing on latkes. I grew up in a mixed household too! Christmas trees and Chanukah – the best!
Liz DellaCroce
No way!! We are so lucky Liz!! Happy Holidays!
Jessica @ Golden Brown and Delicious
It seems like the entire Internet is trying to convince me to make potato pancakes. This isn’t helping! I bet that sauce is just delicious :)
Liz DellaCroce
Listen to what the internet is trying to tell you!! :) I hope you try them!
Maryea {happy healthy mama}
“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoyed a fried potato in pancake form.” How true is that?! I love the idea of this topping, too. The table looks beautiful as well! :)
Liz DellaCroce
I mean seriously potatoes + pancakes = perfection. :)