Granville Grill Sauce (For Beef, Shrimp or Poultry)

The first time I encountered anything remotely like this Granville Grill Sauce, I was at a family barbeque hosted by my Aunt Millie. Aunt Millie was famous for her eclectic tastes and her garden, which produced a riot of unexpected herbs and vegetables. She slathered this vibrant, tangy sauce on everything from grilled chicken to juicy burgers. The combination of sweet cranberry and savory horseradish was a revelation – a burst of summer flavors elevated by a subtle kick. It wasn’t exactly this recipe, but it sparked a love for unexpectedly delicious flavor combinations that has stayed with me to this day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yields: 2 1/2 cups
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can tomato puree
• 1 cup jellied cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar recommended)
• 2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire can of tomato puree with the jellied cranberry sauce.
2. Add the vinegar to the bowl.
3. Stir in the finely chopped onions. Make sure they are evenly distributed.
4. Finally, add the prepared horseradish.
5. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. The sauce should be relatively smooth, with small pieces of onion dispersed throughout.
6. The sauce is now ready to use. You can use it immediately as a grill sauce, or store it for later use.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, you can use a blender or food processor to combine the ingredients. However, be careful not to over-blend, as you want to retain some texture from the onions.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of prepared horseradish to taste. Start with an additional half-tablespoon and add more as needed.
• For a sweeter sauce, use cranberry sauce with a higher sugar content or add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
• To enhance the onion flavor, sauté the chopped onions in a little olive oil until softened before adding them to the sauce. Let them cool slightly before mixing.
• If you don’t have fresh onions on hand, you can use 1 teaspoon of onion powder as a substitute.
• For a richer flavor, try using a high-quality tomato puree, such as San Marzano.
• If your cranberry sauce has large pieces of cranberries, you may want to pulse it a few times in a food processor to break them down before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Granville Grill Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various proteins. It’s excellent brushed on beef steaks or burgers during the last few minutes of grilling. It also complements the delicate flavor of shrimp skewers perfectly. For poultry, try basting chicken breasts or thighs with the sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Leftover sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week. While freezing is possible, it may slightly alter the texture due to the cranberry sauce. If freezing, thaw completely in the refrigerator before using.

Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Do not boil. This sauce is best served warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx. 1/4 cup)	% Daily Value*
Calories	75 kcal	4%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	35mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	19g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	17g
Protein	0g	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Smoked Paprika: Include 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Maple-Horseradish: Substitute 1 tablespoon of the vinegar with real maple syrup.
• Fresh Cranberry Sauce: If you have fresh cranberries, you can make your own cranberry sauce. Be sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Dijon Twist: Mix in 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a more complex flavor profile.
• Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Low Sugar: Use sugar-free cranberry sauce for a reduced-sugar option. Adjust the sweetness with a sugar substitute if needed.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, you can make your own cranberry sauce from scratch using fresh cranberries. Be sure to cook them down until they are softened and slightly thickened before adding them to the other ingredients. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Q: What is the best type of vinegar to use in this sauce?
A: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are both excellent choices. White vinegar will provide a clean, tangy flavor, while apple cider vinegar will add a subtle fruity note.

Q: Can I freeze this sauce?
A: While you can freeze this sauce, the texture may change slightly due to the cranberry sauce. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using, and stir well to recombine the ingredients.

Q: What if I don’t like horseradish?
A: If you’re not a fan of horseradish, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether. You could also try substituting it with a small amount of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce for a different kind of kick.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that the best recipes are those that surprise and delight, and this Granville Grill Sauce certainly fits the bill. The unexpected combination of sweet cranberry, tangy vinegar, and a hint of horseradish creates a flavor profile that is both unique and addictive. Whether you’re grilling up a juicy steak, some succulent shrimp, or tender poultry, this sauce is guaranteed to elevate your dish to the next level. So go ahead, give it a try, and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure. And please let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear about your experience. Maybe you’ll even discover a new family favorite, just like my Aunt Millie did.