Sugared Cranberries Recipe

Sugared Cranberries are a beautiful and festive treat that adds a sweet-tart burst of flavor to holiday dishes, drinks, or desserts. These little jewels are perfect as a garnish for cocktails, cakes, salads, or simply as a standalone snack. They’re easy to make and look stunning, making them an elegant addition to any celebration.

Sugared Cranberries

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (about 6 oz)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the syrup)
• 1/4 cup water (for the syrup)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating the cranberries)

Instructions:

1. Make the Simple Syrup:
   • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water.
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Cranberries:
   • Rinse the fresh cranberries and pick through them to remove any that are soft or damaged.
3. Coat the Cranberries with Syrup:
   • Once the syrup has cooled, place the cranberries in a medium bowl. Pour the syrup over the cranberries, gently stirring to ensure all of them are coated.
   • Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for about 5 minutes to absorb the sweetness.
4. Roll the Cranberries in Sugar:
   • After the cranberries have absorbed the syrup, use a slotted spoon to transfer them from the syrup to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess liquid.
   • Place the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish or small bowl. Roll each cranberry in the sugar to coat it evenly, then place the sugared cranberries on a separate plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Dry and Set:
   • Allow the sugared cranberries to dry for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour. The sugar will harden and form a delicate, sparkling coating around each cranberry.
6. Serve or Store:
   • Serve the sugared cranberries as a garnish for cocktails, desserts, or salads, or enjoy them on their own as a sweet-tart snack.
   • To Store: Store the sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They will last longer in the fridge but may lose some of their sparkle.

Serving Suggestions:

• Cocktail Garnish: Use sugared cranberries to garnish holiday cocktails like Cosmopolitans, Moscow Mules, or Mimosas.
• Dessert Garnish: Sprinkle sugared cranberries over cakes, cheesecakes, or ice cream for a festive touch.
• Salads: Add a handful of sugared cranberries to a green salad or a winter fruit salad to add color and sweetness.
• Holiday Gifts: Package them in small gift jars as a sweet treat for friends and family during the holidays.

Tips:

• Double Sugar Coating: For an extra sparkly look, you can let the cranberries dry and then roll them in sugar a second time for more coverage.
• Alternative Sweeteners: You can try using superfine sugar, coconut sugar, or even a little coarse sugar for a different look and texture.
• Flavor Add-ins: For added flavor, you can infuse the syrup with a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or orange zest as it heats for a more aromatic finish.

Sugared Cranberries are a simple yet beautiful treat that enhances any holiday table. With their shiny, frosted appearance and their combination of sweet and tart flavors, they’re sure to be a hit!