Add the cranberries, jalapeño, sugar, and orange zest and juice to a small pot. Add a bit of water just to cover the bottom of the pot.
12 ounces cranberries, ½ cup brown sugar, zest and juice of 1 medium orange or 2 small oranges, 1 jalapeño
Cook over medium-low heat until the berries have burst and the liquid has thickened, about 10 minutes.
Remove the cranberry sauce from the heat and taste. If it is sufficiently spicy, remove the chili pepper strips. Otherwise leave in and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature.
Pour into a small bowl and refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, until ready to serve.