Pure and Simple Cranberry Sauce

Put all ingredients with 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Simmer over low heat, stirring often, until most of the cranberries have popped, 10 to 15 minutes. Add sugar and salt to taste if you like.

Make ahead: Up to 1 week, chilled.

VARIATIONS

Cranberry and Blenheim Apricot Sauce: To the saucepan of combined ingredients above, add 4 oz. coarsely chopped dried Blenheim apricots (available at well-stocked grocery stores and brfarms.com), 6 each juniper berries and crushed allspice berries, 1/4 tsp. ground cloves, 1 whole bay leaf, juice and zest of 1 large orange, and an additional 1/4 cup water. Simmer and season as directed above.

Cranberry Apple Sauce: To the saucepan of combined ingredients above, add 3 oz. coarsely chopped dried apples, 3 crushed allspice berries, 1/4 tsp. ground cloves, 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom, 1 whole cinnamon stick, the juice and zest of 1 medium lemon, and an additional 1/2 cup water. Simmer and season as directed above.