Oh my goodness, sugared cranberries are just the perfect little bites of holiday magic! I mean, who can resist that sweet and tart flavor? Whether you’re using them as a stunning garnish for cakes or tossing them into a festive cocktail, they just scream celebration. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen filled with that delightful aroma of simmering sugar and cranberries, and I couldn’t help but sneak a few before they were even dry! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be dreaming up new ways to use them all season long!
Ingredients List
To make the most delightful sugared cranberries, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries – Make sure they’re vibrant and firm for the best results.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This will sweeten the cranberries and create that lovely syrup.
- 1 cup water – Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating your cranberry bath.
- 1/2 cup additional sugar for coating – This is what gives the cranberries their sparkling finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating a festive treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
How to Prepare Sugared Cranberries
Making sugared cranberries is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the sweet scent of the holidays. Follow these steps, and you’ll have the perfect treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, rinse the 2 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water to get rid of any dirt or debris. You want them nice and clean!
- Next, grab a medium saucepan and combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir it gently as it heats up.
- Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This should only take a few minutes, so don’t wander off!
- Now, add your rinsed cranberries to the syrup, and let them simmer for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will soak up that sweet goodness.
- After 10 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let the cranberries cool in the syrup for 1 hour. This step is crucial for flavor!
- Once they’re cool, drain the cranberries in a colander. You want to get rid of the excess syrup, but keep that syrup for drizzling over pancakes or in cocktails!
- Now for the fun part! Roll the cranberries in the 1/2 cup of additional sugar until they’re fully coated. This gives them that gorgeous sparkly finish.
- Finally, spread the sugared cranberries out on a baking sheet and let them dry for about 1-2 hours. Patience is key here!
And just like that, you’ve transformed ordinary cranberries into a festive delight that’s perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tart flavor that dances on your palate!
- Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday desserts.
- Versatile enough to use in cocktails, salads, or as a topping.
- They make a stunning, festive garnish that impresses everyone!
- Great for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy stress-free entertaining!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful sugared cranberries, here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information per serving (about 1/4 cup):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. But hey, a little sweetness never hurt anyone during the holidays, right?
Tips for Success
To make sure your sugared cranberries turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, use fresh, firm cranberries—soft ones just won’t cut it! If you find your cranberries aren’t as tart as you’d like, a splash of lemon juice in the syrup can amp up that flavor. Also, make sure to let them dry completely after coating with sugar; this helps them maintain that lovely sparkle. And if you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for a quick chill after they dry. Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your beautifully sugared cranberries is super simple! Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, you can pop them in the fridge—just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. As for reheating, you actually don’t need to! These little gems are best enjoyed chilled or at room temp, so just sprinkle them on your desserts or cocktails right before serving. They’ll stay lovely and sparkly, just like when you made them!
FAQ Section
How can I use sugared cranberries?
These delightful treats are perfect as a garnish for cakes, cocktails, or even salads. You can also toss them in a cheese platter for a festive touch!
Can I make variations of sugared cranberries?
Absolutely! You can infuse the syrup with spices like cinnamon or even orange zest for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries are hard to find, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and rinse them before using in the recipe.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar?
You can try using coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to a week at room temperature, making them a great make-ahead treat!
Sugared Cranberries: 7 Festive Bites of Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Rendement: 2 cups 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Sugared cranberries are a sweet and tart treat perfect for holiday desserts or as a garnish.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup additional sugar for coating
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the cranberries to the syrup and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cranberries cool in the syrup for 1 hour.
- Drain the cranberries and roll them in the additional sugar.
- Spread them on a baking sheet to dry for 1-2 hours.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use as a garnish for cakes or cocktails.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 30g
- De Sodium: 0mg
- La graisse: 0g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 31g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 0g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: sugared cranberries, cranberry recipe, holiday treats
