When the holiday season rolls around, there's one thing you can count on: an explosion of cranberries! These tiny tart gems have a special place in holiday traditions, but if you're only using them for sauce, you're missing out!

Cranberry pie is the dessert that brings the sweet and tangy balance to the table - it is so good, that you might find yourself sneaking bites before the guests even arrive. Hey, no judgment here!

The Origins:

The origin of cranberry pie is closely tied to the history of cranberries in North America, as the cranberry is native to the continent. Native Americans were the first to use cranberries, which they called "sassamanash", in various foods, including a type of energy bar known as pemmican. The modern cranberry pie likely developed as European settlers in New England began incorporating local ingredients into their traditional recipes. Pies were a staple in their kitchens because they allowed for the preservation of fruits and other ingredients. As settlers interacted with Native American knowledge of local fruits like cranberries, they started using them in their baked goods.

Ingredients

- 2 cups fresh cranberries

- 1 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup orange juice

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

- 2 tbsp flour (to thicken)

- 1 egg (for egg wash)

Time

Prep time: 15 minutes.

Baking time: 50 minutes.

Total Time: 65 minutes.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and flour until well combined.

3. Roll out the pie crust and press it into a pie dish, then pour the cranberry mixture into the crust.

4. Add some decorative pie crust strips if you're feeling fancy!

5. Brush the crust with egg wash to give it that golden-brown finish.

6. Bake for about 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.

7. Let it cool before slicing (if you can resist).

Adding An Even Sweeter Twist

If craving an extra sweet bite, consider topping your cranberry pie with caramel sauce or adding candied nuts for a contrasting crunch. Whipped cream is an obvious favorite, but vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the cranberries, offering a creamy balance to every bite.

This pie is bound to become your new favorite, with or without the whipped cream!