Candied Cranberries:

Candied cranberries are the perfect treat for the holiday season, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet in every bite. With their crisp sugar coating and burst of tangy cranberry flavor, they make an irresistible snack or festive garnish for any occasion.

Behind the Recipe

Candied cranberries have been a holiday favorite for years, cherished for their bright color and zesty flavor. The simple process of coating these tart berries in a sugary shell creates a treat that’s as much about the texture as the taste. Whether served as a holiday snack or used to garnish desserts and cocktails, these little berries bring both beauty and flavor to the table.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While candied fruits are a long-standing tradition in many cultures, the specific practice of candying cranberries is largely popular in North America. The vibrant red of the cranberries is perfect for the winter holiday season, making them an essential part of festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love Candied Cranberries

Candied cranberries are a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re snacking on them, using them as a garnish, or adding them to holiday treats, they’re sure to be a hit.

Versatile: You can use them in cocktails, desserts, or as a standalone snack.

Budget-Friendly: Cranberries are affordable and accessible, making this a treat that doesn’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these cranberries come together in no time.

Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness level and even try different coatings, like adding a little cinnamon or orange zest.

Crowd-Pleasing: The sweet and tart flavor combination makes them perfect for sharing.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these in advance and store them for up to a week.

Great for Leftovers: If you have leftovers, use them to top oatmeal, yogurt, or even salads.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, as they provide the perfect balance of tartness to offset the sugary coating.
• Let the Cranberries Dry: After coating them in sugar, allow them to dry completely for the best texture.
• Store in an Airtight Container: To keep them fresh, store your candied cranberries in an airtight container.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan: For making the sugar syrup.
• Strainer: To drain excess sugar syrup from the cranberries.
• Baking sheet: To spread out the cranberries while they dry.

Ingredients in Candied Cranberries

1. Fresh Cranberries: 1 cup – The star of the show, these berries provide the tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
2. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – Used to create the sweet, crunchy coating around the cranberries.
3. Water: 1/2 cup – Helps dissolve the sugar to create a syrup for coating the cranberries.

Ingredient Substitutions

Granulated Sugar: You can substitute with powdered sugar if you want a smoother coating or experiment with other sugars like coconut sugar for a different flavor.

Water: You can replace water with orange juice to add a citrusy kick to the cranberries.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cranberries: These little berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them as healthy as they are delicious. Their natural tartness makes them the perfect contrast to the sugary coating in this recipe.

Instructions for Making Candied Cranberries

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to lay out your candied cranberries.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Rinse your cranberries thoroughly, removing any stems or leaves.
4. Assemble the Dish: Add the cranberries to the syrup, stirring to coat them evenly. Allow them to soak for about 5 minutes.
5. Cook to Perfection: Remove the cranberries from the syrup using a slotted spoon, draining off any excess syrup.
6. Finishing Touches: Roll the cranberries in granulated sugar until fully coated, then spread them out on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cranberries to dry for at least an hour before serving.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Candied cranberries offer a delightful contrast between the crunchy sugar coating and the tart, juicy cranberry inside. The sugar coating provides a satisfying crunch, while the cranberry bursts with bright, tangy flavor as you bite into it.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a gentle hand when stirring the cranberries in the syrup to avoid breaking them.
• Let them dry thoroughly to ensure the coating hardens to the perfect crunch.
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add extra warmth and flavor.

What to Avoid

• Don’t over-soak the cranberries: If you leave them in the syrup too long, they can become mushy.
• Avoid clumping: When rolling the cranberries in sugar, make sure they’re well-coated without sticking together in clumps.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 100
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare these candied cranberries ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a big batch and save them for later.

How to Serve Candied Cranberries

Candied cranberries make an excellent garnish for cakes, pies, and cocktails. You can also enjoy them as a standalone treat or sprinkle them over oatmeal or yogurt for added texture.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover candied cranberries can be used to top cupcakes, mixed into fruit salads, or incorporated into holiday-themed trail mix.

Additional Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the syrup before coating the cranberries. This adds a light citrus note that complements the tart cranberries.

Make It a Showstopper

For a stunning presentation, arrange your candied cranberries in a decorative bowl or use them as a garnish on a festive dessert like a cheesecake or holiday cake.

Variations to Try

1. Cinnamon Candied Cranberries: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar for a warm, spicy twist.
2. Orange Zest Candied Cranberries: Stir in some orange zest to the sugar syrup for a citrusy zing.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Candied Cranberries: Dip the dried cranberries in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.

FAQ’s

1. How long do candied cranberries last?

Candied cranberries will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

2. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries are preferred for this recipe, but you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them before using.

3. Can I make candied cranberries without sugar?

Sugar is essential for creating the sweet coating in this recipe, so it’s best to stick with granulated sugar for the perfect texture.

4. Can I use a different coating for candied cranberries?

Yes, you can experiment with different coatings, such as powdered sugar or even cinnamon sugar, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

5. What else can I do with candied cranberries?

Candied cranberries are great as a garnish for desserts, in salads, or as a snack on their own.

6. How do I store candied cranberries?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

7. Can I make candied cranberries without syrup?

No, the syrup is what gives the cranberries their sugary coating. Without it, you won’t get the same result.

8. Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, you can use this same method to candy other fruits, like cherries or blueberries.

9. How do I prevent the sugar from clumping?

Make sure to coat the cranberries one at a time, and allow them to dry completely before storing.

10. Are candied cranberries a healthy snack?

While they are sweet, cranberries themselves are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a healthy choice when enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

Candied cranberries are a delightful treat that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. With their festive appearance and irresistible flavor, they make a great addition to any holiday celebration or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Try them out and experience the joy of this simple yet delicious treat!

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