Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　25 min

　　To the traditional orange-cranberry combination, we’ve added Mediterranean touches: dates for their honeylike sweetness and a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors.

Ingredients

　　1 1/4 cups sugar

　　3 strips orange zest

　　1 cup fresh orange juice

　　3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

　　1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick

　　1 cup coarsely chopped pitted dates (6 ounces), divided

　　2 (12-ounce) bags cranberries (thawed if frozen), divided

　　Simmer water, sugar, zest, juice, vinegar, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring, 3 minutes. Add half of dates and half of cranberries and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to burst, about 7 minutes. Stir in remaining dates and cranberries and simmer until remaining cranberries begin to burst, about 7 minutes more. Serve at room temperature.

　　Cooks’ note:

　　Sauce can be made 3 days ahead and chilled.