Sweeten up Your Day with Homemade Sugared Cranberries

If you’re looking for a simple, festive treat that requires minimal effort but looks impressive, sugared cranberries are your answer. These little bursts of tartness covered in a sparkly layer of sugar are not only visually appealing but also delicious and versatile. They can be used to decorate holiday desserts, added to cocktails or simply enjoyed as a snack.

Making sugared cranberries is a straightforward process that even novice cooks can handle. All you need is fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. The recipe is customizable and can be adjusted to your taste preference. Plus, it’s an excellent activity to do with kids and loved ones during the holidays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make sugared cranberries and some tips to help you achieve the perfect result.

Ingredients Needed to Make Sugared Cranberries

Making sugared cranberries is a fun and simple process that can be done in your own kitchen. Before we delve into the process, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed.

1. Fresh Cranberries: You’ll need approximately two cups of fresh cranberries. Make sure they’re firm and not too ripe.

2. Granulated Sugar: Sugar is the main ingredient that helps create the sweet and tangy flavor of sugared cranberries.

3. Water: You’ll need water to help dissolve the sugar and create the syrup used to coat the cranberries.

4. Orange Zest: Grated orange zest can help add an extra layer of flavor to the sugared cranberries.

5. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is optional but adds a pleasant fragrance and flavor to the cranberries.

6. Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon can add a warm and spicy flavor to the cranberries.

7. Optional: Powdered Sugar: Adding a dusting of powdered sugar after coating the cranberries with sugar syrup can help give them an extra pop of sweetness.

Steps to Make Sugared Cranberries

Now that you know all the ingredients needed let’s move onto the steps to make sugared cranberries.

Step 1: Begin by washing the fresh cranberries with water and then let them dry completely.

Step 2: In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together one cup of water and one cup of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a boil.

Step 3: Turn the heat to low and add a pinch of cinnamon, orange zest, and a few drops of vanilla extract to the sugar syrup. Stir the mixture well.

Step 4: Turn off the heat and add the fresh cranberries to the sugar syrup. Stir gently to coat the cranberries with the syrup.

Step 5: Use a slotted spoon to remove the coated cranberries from the saucepan and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure that the cranberries don’t touch each other, as this can result in clumping.

Step 6: Let the cranberries cool for approximately 30 minutes. You can also let them sit overnight to allow the sugar to harden.

Step 7: Once the cranberries have cooled, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.

Step 8: Serve the sugared cranberries in a bowl as a delicious snack or add them as a garnish to your favorite desserts or cocktails.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make sugared cranberries, you can try making them at home and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors. This simple recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just as a snack to enjoy at home. Remember to experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your taste buds.

Finding the Right Ingredients

Sugared cranberries are a popular holiday treat that is easy to make. The tartness of the cranberries combined with the sweetness of the sugar creates a flavor explosion that is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. To make these delicious treats from scratch, you will need a few key ingredients. Here are some tips on how to find the right ingredients for your sugared cranberries:

Cranberries

Cranberries are a vital component of sugared cranberries. You can easily find fresh cranberries in the grocery store during the holiday season, typically from mid-October through December. Look for cranberries that are shiny, plump, and free from blemishes. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones will suffice. Just make sure they are thawed before you use them.

Granulated Sugar

To make the sugared cranberries, you will need granulated sugar. Don’t try to substitute other types of sugar as they might not give you the desired result. Make sure you have enough sugar for the recipe. A good rule of thumb is to use one cup of sugar for every 12 oz of cranberries.

Water

Water is another crucial ingredient in the recipe. You will need it to create a simple syrup that will coat the cranberries before they are coated in sugar. Use filtered water if possible, as it will ensure that the simple syrup is free from impurities.

Orange Zest

Orange zest is an optional ingredient that can add some flavor and citrusy brightness to your sugared cranberries. You will need the zest of one orange for the recipe.

Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon sticks are another optional ingredient that can give your sugared cranberries a warm, comforting flavor. You will need a couple of cinnamon sticks for the recipe.

Cloves

Cloves are another optional ingredient that can add some spice to your sugared cranberries. You will only need a couple of cloves, so don’t go overboard.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another spice that can add flavor to your sugared cranberries. You will only need a pinch of nutmeg, so use it sparingly.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is used to balance the sweetness of the sugar in the recipe. You will only need a pinch of kosher salt.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is used to add some acidity to balance out the sweetness of the sugar. You will need the juice of half a lemon.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is an optional ingredient that can add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to your sugared cranberries. You will need a quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract for the recipe.

Make sure you have all these ingredients before you start making your sugared cranberries. The next section of the article will explain how to prepare the ingredients for the recipe.

Gathering Ingredients and Equipment

Now that you know the sugar-to-water ratio and the cooking method for sugared cranberries, let’s gather the necessary items to complete the recipe. You can easily find these at your local grocery store or online.

Ingredients

Equipment

Apart from the ingredients, you will need some basic kitchen equipment.

• A medium-sized pot
• A strainer or colander
• A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk
• A wooden spoon

Berries

Make sure you get a good quality packet of fresh cranberries or frozen ones. Wash the berries thoroughly, removing any stalks and debris.

Sugar

Granulated white sugar is what you need for sugared cranberries. Do not use powdered sugar as it contains cornstarch, which will clump up and form a cloudy residue on the berries.

Pot

Choose a medium-sized non-reactive pot made of stainless steel or enamel-coated cast iron. Avoid using aluminum or copper pots as they can react with the acidic cranberries, giving them a metallic flavor.

Parchment Paper

Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent the sugar-coated cranberries from sticking to the surface. It will also make cleaning up a breeze.

Wooden Spoon and Whisk

A wooden spoon and a whisk are necessary for stirring the mixture while cooking. A wooden spoon is ideal as it won’t scratch the pot’s surface. The whisk will come in handy for stirring the sugar and water in the mixing bowl, dissolving the sugar.

Now that we’ve gathered all the essential ingredients and equipment let’s move on to the next step, cooking the cranberries.

Wrap It Up!

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You are well on your way to a festive treat that will please even the pickiest eaters. Making sugared cranberries is a fantastic way to add a little sweetness to any dish or a fun snack that will make your taste buds dance. Don’t hesitate to experiment and put your own spin on this recipe. And if you ever get stuck, we’ll be here to guide you through it all. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you here again soon!