a new favorite cranberry and orange side dish for the holidays from a Wahlberg
Wait what? Mark Wahlberg’s brother? Which one? Marky Mark from the Funky Bunch has an older brother, Paul. I think Paul’s creative contribution was a little restaurant called Wahlburgers. So full props to Mark Wahlberg’s brother, Paul for this orange cranberry sauce recipe.
And, you can get all the props when you present this homemade side dish with no sign of a can of Libby’s Libby’s Libby’s on the table!
Does anyone remember that little commercial jingle?
CRANBERRY ORANGE SAUCE
In full disclosure, I thought if I included Mark’s name in the recipe my family would be more inclined to try a tart-tasting side dish. This is one of several recipes I have made from the celebrity recipe section in the back of People (the magazine).
And the Wahlberg Orange Cranberry Sauce is a new family favorite. This cranberry and orange side dish is a fun twist for any holiday.
Oranges, Apples & Cranberries
I loved the sweet and tart mix of cranberries, apples and orange zest. As with all of my recipes, I tweak them a bit and this cranberry orange sauce is no exception.
I skipped the thyme sprigs because that would have meant a third trip to the grocery store. Instead, I just added a little bit more orange zest. Yes, I have a bowl of oranges and boxwood! That trend started after this tablescape.
The flavors bubbled just to the edge of the saucepan. With the bubbling mixture of tart cranberries and Granny Smith apples and the sweet oranges, I waited for the familiar sound of cranberries popping. Just remember don’t get distracted by the Hallmark Christmas movie playing in the background and forget to stir the pot.
CRANBERRY ORANGE SAUCE RECIPE
The key to this recipe is listening for the cranberries to “pop.” Trust me they will. And, make sure to pour the sauce into the serving dish before you chill it in the fridge. Trust me.
Total sidebar but how many of you still like to print recipes? Do you pin and print? I still love a printed recipe. You?

MARK WAHLBERG'S BROTHER'S CRANBERRY ORANGE SAUCE
Ingredients
- 1 CUP SUGAR
- 4 CUPS FRESH CRANBERRIES
- 1 ORANGE, PEELED, SECTIONED & CHOPPED
- 1 TBSP ORANGE ZEST FOR GARNISH
- 1 SMALL GRANNY APPLE, UNPEELED & DICED
- 1 SPRIG THYME
Instructions
- WAHLBERG ORANGE CRANBERRY SAUCE INSTRUCTIONS1. COMBINE SUGAR AND 1/2 CUP WATER IN LARGE DUTCH OVEN2. HEAT OVER MEDIUM HEAT STIRRING TO DISSOLVE SUGAR.3. COOK WITHOUT STIRRING UNTIL MIXTURE TURNS A LIGHT MAHOGANY (OR MERLOT) AND CANDY THERMOMETER READS 300 DEGREES. 4. ADD CRANBERRIES, ORANGE, APPLE & THYME. 5. BRING TO A BOIL, STIR CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL CRANBERRIES "POP."6. COOL TO ROOM TEMP & CHILD UNTIL READY TO SERVE.
PIN THIS SIDE DISH FAVORITE FOR LATER
