Cranberry sauce is one of those sides that always makes an appearance at the Thanksgiving table each year, yet lots of people claim they don’t like it. Or at the very least, it’s one of those side dishes that people view with a take it or leave it attitude.

This year, I decided I wanted to change all that, at least for my family, so I scoured the internet looking for a good cranberry sauce that also gave me the option to water bath can to make it ahead of the holiday. I landed on a recipe by Practical Self Reliance, mainly because I’ve tried other recipes from the site and had success, and I liked that this recipe called for adding flavors like cinnamon and orange in addition to cranberries and sugar.

The recipe makes four pint jars of sauce, which is pretty perfect if you plan to make this to water bath can it. Since it made so many jars, I gave one away to my sister for her to enjoy at Thanksgiving, I’m taking one to my in-laws’ house and I have two left over, perhaps to use for next year, or for another holiday party this year.

If you’re not keen on canning, the recipe could probably be cut in half, while also still made ahead of time so that you have it prepared for turkey day. I highly encourage anyone who typically has cranberry sauce on their table each year to make this rather than buying, it did cost slightly less than what a can of name brand sauce goes for, but there’s also the taste. I sampled a spoonful when I cooked and canned it a couple weeks ago (and it was delicious!), and I’m excited to try it alongside the turkey and all the other trimmings.