1 Wash And Pick Over Cranberries. In A Saucepan Bring To A Boil Water And Sugar, Stirring To Dissolve Sugar. Add Cranberries, Return To A Boil. Reduce Heat, Simmer For 10 Minutes Or Until Cranberries Burst. 2 At This Point You Can Add All Number Of Optional Ingredients. We Typically Mix In A Half A Cup Of Roughly Chopped Pecans With Or Without A Few Strips Of Orange Zest. You Can Add A Cup Of Raisins Or Currants. You Can Add Up To A Pint Of Fresh Or Frozen Blueberries For Added Sweetness. Spices Such As Cinnamon, Nutmeg Or Allspice Can Be Added Too. 3 Remove From Heat. Cool Completely At Room Temperature And Then Chill In Refrigerator. Cranberry Sauce Will Thicken As It Cools.