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Roselle Hibiscus Holiday Sauce

A New Favorite for the Festive Season: Hibiscus Holiday Sauce

With the holiday season just around the corner, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate garden harvests into our holiday meals. Hibiscus Holiday Sauce has replaced traditional cranberry sauce at our house. I’d love for you to give it a try.

A perfect blend of fresh hibiscus, zesty ginger, and juicy oranges, this sauce is delectably sweet and tangy and pairs perfectly with many dishes. The best part? It’s easy to make.

If you have an abundance of roselle from the garden like me, here’s a fantastic way to make good use of it.

Roselle Hibiscus Holiday Sauce

Serving Size:

Makes approximately 2 cups

Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2-3/4 cup sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.)
• 1 cup fresh hibiscus (seed pods removed)
• 1 cup chopped fruit (pear, apple, mango, or pineapple)
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• Juice and zest from 1 orange
• Optional: cinnamon, allspice, or jalepeño to taste

Directions

1. Combine 1 cup of water and ½ – ¾ cup of sweetener in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Add 1 cup of fresh hibiscus (remove the seed pod), and let it simmer until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
3. Next, add 1 cup of chopped fruit—pear, apple, mango, or pineapple.
4. Use an immersion blender (if desired) and blend sauce lightly for a smoother consistency.
5. Add two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and the zest and juice of 1 orange.
6. Optional: add cinnamon, allspice, or jalepeño to taste.
7. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
8. Remove from heat.
9. Serve warm or chilled.
10. Pour extra sauce into a glass jar—store sauce in the refrigerator for up to one month.

How to use Roselle Hibiscus Holiday Sauce

This versatile Hibiscus Holiday Sauce complements a wide array of dishes. It’s delicious with turkey, roasted or grilled meats, and sweet veggies like squash and sweet potatoes. You can spread it on sandwiches or drizzle it over cakes, pies, and puddings. Try stirring it into yogurt or serving it with robust cheeses. It also makes a tasty topping for toast, muffins, pancakes, or waffles.

Enjoy this recipe on Thanksgiving alongside our favorite sweet potato casserole. They are both sure to be a hit!

I highly recommend trying this recipe if you have a garden full of fresh hibiscus. If you have more roselle to use, check out my Roselle Citrus Tea recipe. It’s a zesty and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed hot or chilled.

Need another cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for the holidays? Blue Cheese Thyme Scalloped Potatoes are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion.

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