HELP - Did I ruin my mulled cranberry sauce?

[CookinginMO/KS]

Last night I made a double batch of the mulled cranberry sauce (delish) but forgot to put it in the fridge before going to bed. I did some googling to see if its still safe and keep coming up with a response that I should throw it out. Really? Its cranberries, sugar & wine, but I certainly don't want my guests to get sick so I'll go with whatever you all suggest.

[Andrea_2]

How long was it out? Was it covered?

[Goin' Coastal]

Were the cranberries refrigerated when you bought them? Do they say anywhere on the package "refrigerate after opening"? I know the sugar and wine weren't refrigerated! And isn't wine a preservative? I assume you put it in the refrigerator this morning when you saw it had been left out. My vote is go ahead and serve it. It will be fine.

[BucknellAlum]

StillTasty.com says to leave out no more than two hours.

I am guessing the sugar and cranberries would be a good medium for bacteria to grow quickly?

You could also try calling all those turkey/USDA hotlines, I'll bet they are ready for business this week!

[CookinginMO/KS]

The cranberries were frozen prior to cooking and the lid was a jar while they sat on the counter. I would say they say out about 10 hours from cooking until they were discovered & went in the fridge. I think I'll take the advice & call the hotline. Man, I'd hate to get everyone sick, but they were so tasty and I hate to waste them if its not necessary.

[emily]

Wow, I wouldn't even question that. I'd just assume it was fine! But maybe I'm more of a risk taker with food

[Andrea_2]

I think I would still eat it. Ten hours isn't THAT long.

[SDCook56]

I wouldn't give it a moment's thought. I'd eat it.

[PurplePotato]

If you are worried about it what about putting it back on the stove and bringing to a boil? You might need to add more liquid.

[Goin' Coastal]

I have done it with tomato sauce. It was too hot to put in the refrigerator, and by the time it was cool enough, I had forgotten it and it sat out all night. I put in the fridge and it was fine.