Rinse the fresh cranberries under cool water, removing any damaged ones. Set them aside in a colander to drain as you prepare the other ingredients.

Combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, bringing forth that enticing aroma.

Simmer the cranberry mixture for about 10 minutes after boiling begins. Reduce the heat, stir in orange zest, and watch as most cranberries burst and the mix thickens to a lovely consistency.

Toast the chopped pecans in a small skillet over low heat for approximately 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can turn from perfect to burnt quickly—aim for golden and aromatic.

Fold the toasted pecans into the cranberry mixture once it’s removed from heat. Let this delightful concoction cool at room temperature before serving, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully.