Food & Cooking Recipes Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes Basic Cranberry Sauce 3.5 (355) Close Cranberries arrive at market to help kick off the holidays with a festive hue and lively flavor. Directions In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, lemon zest, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cook until cranberries are soft, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, and let cool to room temperature.