Today I’m sharing a quick recipe for how to make Sugar Cranberries. I love this little trick because once they’re made you can add them to all sorts of things for the holidays
I like to use them as a garnish on desserts, dropped in cocktails, or even scattered on grazing tables.
The basic concept of this recipe is soaking the cranberries in a simple syrup and then rolling them in an additional coating of sugar to give them a lot of sparkle.
I suggest making a fairly large batch and then storing them as directed so you have them all season long!
Sugared Cranberries
Sugar cranberries are a delightful and festive treat, perfect for holiday snacking or garnishing desserts.
Makes 2-3 cups
Ingredients:
1 bag of fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar ( ½ cup for simple syrup ½ for coating)
1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cold running water. Drain them well and set them aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan with the simple syrup. Stir to coat the cranberries.
4. Bring the cranberry and syrup mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the cranberries to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. You'll notice the cranberries starting to slightly soften and become tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup. Allow them to drain on a wire rack for a few minutes. They should still be a little sticky from the syrup.
5. After the cranberries have drained slightly, place them in a shallow bowl or plate filled with additional granulated sugar. Gently roll the cranberries in the sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated. You can also use a spoon to sprinkle sugar over them.
6. Transfer the sugar-coated cranberries to a clean, dry plate or tray in a single layer. Allow them to air dry for at least 1-2 hours. The sugar coating will harden as they dry.
To Store: Once the sugar cranberries are completely dry, you can either serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days. You can use them as a garnish for desserts, cocktails, or simply enjoy them as a sweet-tart snack.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.