Candied cranberries are a delightful treat, perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a burst of flavor to salads. This recipe is not only delicious but also vegan, low in protein, and low in cholesterol, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these sweet and tangy cranberries in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water 🥤
- 1/2 cup sugar 🍚
- 1 cup cranberries 🍒
Instructions:
| Preparation | Cooking | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 15 minutes |
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Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a rolling boil. This step is crucial for creating the sweet syrup that will coat the cranberries.
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Add the Cranberries: Once the syrup is boiling, carefully add the cranberries to the saucepan. It’s essential to work quickly at this stage to prevent the cranberries from bursting.
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Remove from Heat: As soon as the cranberries are added, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid to trap the heat and allow the cranberries to steep in the syrup.
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Steep the Cranberries: Let the cranberries steep in the hot syrup for about 15 minutes. This allows the cranberries to absorb the sweetness of the syrup while maintaining their tartness.
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Strain and Cool: After steeping, use a slotted spoon or fine mesh sieve to strain the cranberries from the syrup. Spread the cranberries out in a single layer on a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool. Be sure to discard any cranberries that have burst during the cooking process.
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Dry the Cranberries: Allow the cranberries to air dry for 30 to 60 minutes. This step helps to remove excess moisture from the cranberries, giving them a slightly chewy texture and preventing them from becoming too sticky.
Once the candied cranberries are completely dry, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although they are so delicious that they may not last that long. Serve them as a snack, sprinkle them over salads or desserts, or even use them as a festive garnish for cocktails. However you choose to enjoy them, these candied cranberries are sure to add a burst of flavor to any dish.
