Oh my goodness, let me tell you about candied cranberries! These little gems are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday dish. I remember the first time I made them for Thanksgiving; the kitchen was filled with the most delightful aroma, and my family couldn’t stop raving about how beautiful they looked on the table. They add such a festive pop of color and flavor, whether you’re tossing them into a salad or using them as a stunning garnish on desserts. Trust me, once you try these candied cranberries, you’ll want to make them a staple for every holiday gathering. They’re not just a treat; they’re a memory waiting to happen!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and stems removed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
How to Prepare Candied Cranberries
Making candied cranberries is super simple and oh-so-rewarding! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a beautiful batch of sweet-tart treats in no time. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First off, rinse your fresh cranberries under cool water and make sure to remove any stems. This little step sets the foundation for your candied wonders!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved—this is crucial for that perfect glaze!
- Now, add those gorgeous cranberries to the pot. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear some of them pop, and that’s just the magic happening—don’t panic!
- Once they’re done cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberries cool in the syrup for about 10 minutes. This helps them absorb all that sugary goodness.
- After cooling, drain the cranberries in a colander and toss them in a little extra granulated sugar to coat them evenly. This adds that delightful crunch!
- Finally, spread the sugared cranberries out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them dry for at least an hour. This step is key to getting them nice and glossy!
And there you have it! You’re just one hour away from having a dazzling batch of candied cranberries to impress your friends and family. Enjoy every tangy, sweet bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition of these delightful candied cranberries! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on common ingredients and can vary a bit depending on the specific brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in a 1/4 cup serving:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
These little beauties are a sweet, guilt-free treat that can elevate your holiday feasts without any heavy baggage. They’re mostly made up of natural sugars from the cranberries and the added sugar, so they’re perfect for a little indulgence during the festive season! Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be all set to celebrate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly versatile! Use them as a stunning garnish for cakes, pies, or even savory dishes like roasted meats.
- Making candied cranberries is a breeze—just a few simple ingredients and steps, and you’re all set!
- The sweet-tart flavor adds a festive pop to salads, cheese boards, and holiday charcuterie spreads.
- They look absolutely gorgeous on any table, bringing a vibrant touch to your holiday spread.
- These little treats can be made ahead of time, leaving you with more freedom to enjoy the festivities.
- They’re a delightful gift idea! Pack them up in a cute jar for friends and family during the holidays.
Trust me, once you start making these candied cranberries, you’ll be hooked on how they elevate every dish and celebration!
Tips for Success
To ensure your candied cranberries turn out perfectly, start with the freshest cranberries you can find—look for firm, plump ones with a vibrant color. Rinsing them well is key, so don’t skip that step! If you want to switch things up a bit, consider using flavored sugars like vanilla or cinnamon for coating instead of plain granulated sugar. It adds a lovely twist! And remember, letting them dry completely is crucial for that delightful crunch, so be patient. With these tips, you’re bound to impress everyone with your homemade candied cranberries!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your candied cranberries! Try using flavored sugars like cinnamon or vanilla for an extra layer of warmth and sweetness. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of spices like ginger or nutmeg while cooking for a cozy holiday vibe. Want a zesty twist? A splash of orange or lemon juice in the syrup adds a bright, refreshing flavor. And if you’re looking for a little crunch, toss in some chopped nuts or coconut flakes before letting them dry. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delightful charm!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious candied cranberries is super easy! Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll last for about a week—if they last that long, that is! I usually pop them in the fridge if I want them to last a bit longer, and they can stay fresh for up to two weeks that way. If you notice they’ve lost a little sparkle or become a tad sticky, just toss them in a bit more granulated sugar to refresh that lovely coating. Trust me, those sweet-tart flavors will still be just as delightful when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
While fresh cranberries are best for that perfect pop, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before cooking. They may not be as firm, but they’ll still taste fantastic!
How can I use candied cranberries in my dishes?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can sprinkle them over salads for a burst of flavor, use them to top cakes or cheesecakes, or even mix them into oatmeal or yogurt. They also make a stunning garnish for holiday cocktails!
Can I freeze candied cranberries?
Yes! You can definitely freeze them. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge, and they’ll be good to go!
What’s the best way to store leftover cranberries?
Keep any leftover candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge, where they can stay fresh for about two weeks. Just be sure to give them a little sugar toss if they get sticky!
Can I add flavors to the syrup?
Absolutely! Feel free to infuse the syrup with your favorite flavors, like vanilla extract, orange zest, or even a hint of cinnamon. It adds a lovely twist to the classic recipe and makes your candied cranberries even more special!
Candied cranberries: 5 Ways to Elevate Your Holiday Spread
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 2 cups 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Sweet and tangy candied cranberries, perfect for holiday dishes.
Składniki
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instrukcje
- Rinse cranberries and remove any stems.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then add cranberries.
- Cook for 10 minutes until cranberries pop.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Drain cranberries and toss in sugar.
- Spread on a baking sheet to dry for at least 1 hour.
Uwagi
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be used as a garnish or in salads.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1/4 cup
- Kalorie: 80
- Cukier: 18g
- Sód: 1mg
- Kwasy: 0g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 0g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 0g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 21g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: candied cranberries
