Sparkling Candied Cranberries Tart Sweet Holiday Gems

Recipe Introduction: Sparkle Up Your Holidays with Candied Cranberries

Ever wondered how to add that extra touch of festive magic to your Christmas spread? What if I told you, it involved something tart, sweet, and utterly dazzling? This Candied Cranberries Recipe is it.

Trust me, it's dead easy.

These aren't your bog-standard cranberry sauce. Think jewels, Christmas baubles you can actually eat. Sugared Cranberries transform into the ultimate tart and sweet Christmas treats.

So grab those cranberries and let's make magic!

Why This Candied Cranberries Recipe Rocks

Originally, cranberries were a staple food for Native Americans. Today, these are a Christmas food gifts , or a colorful garnish.

This Easy Christmas Candy Recipe is a breeze to make. It only takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. Plus cooling time of course.

You'll get about 2 cups which serves around 8 people.

Forget complicated recipes. This Candied Cranberries Recipe is simple. It’s also packed with antioxidants. They're perfect for festive cheese boards, and a great holiday appetizer ideas .

Honestly, they make any occasion feel a bit more special.

What Makes These Sparkling Cranberries Special?

Okay, so these sugared cranberries are more than just pretty. They're seriously addictive. That pop of tartness followed by the sweet crunch of sugar? Oh my gosh! Plus, making homemade Christmas gifts food is the best way to show you care.

And this Cranberry Simple Syrup Recipe doesn't just make great cranberries, it is yummy in cocktails too!

Ready to get started? Next, we dive into the ingredients you need to create these Cranberry Treats .

Ingredients & Equipment for Candied Cranberries Recipe Success

Let's talk about what you'll need for this Candied Cranberries adventure. Honestly, it's super simple. We're not talking Michelin star levels of complexity here. We're making holiday appetizer ideas !

Main Ingredients Deets

Here's the lowdown on the key players for your Tart and Sweet Christmas Treats .

• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) , plus extra for rolling. Use your fave brand, it is up to you.
• Water: 1 cup (240ml) . Tap water is perfect. We are not making rocket science here.
• Fresh Cranberries: 12 ounces (340g) . Make sure they're firm and bright red. Mushy cranberries? Chuck 'em.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . This is optional, but it adds a little warmth.

Seasoning Sensations

Spices make everything nicer, right? Here are a few tips to level up your Sparkling Cranberries .

• Vanilla extract: Like I said, optional, but lovely. It gives that warmth.
• Cinnamon stick or star anise: Add one to the simple syrup for a cozy, spiced vibe.
• Citrus zest: A bit of orange or lemon zest in the syrup? Oh my gosh, divine!

You know, my Grandma used to add a pinch of cardamom. Honestly, try it!

Essential Equipment Arsenal

You don't need fancy gadgets for this Easy Christmas Candy Recipe . These tools will do just fine.

• Medium saucepan: Non-stick is best, but any pan will work.
• Slotted spoon: For fishing out those ruby gems.
• Baking sheet: To dry our little Cranberry Treats .
• Parchment paper: No one likes sticky cranberries. Trust me, use this.
• Small bowl: For rolling in sugar.
• Fork or small spatula: For gentle cranberry handling.

Honestly, I once tried using a colander instead of a slotted spoon. Total disaster! Cranberry juice everywhere . Save yourself the cleanup.

So there you have it. All you need to make homemade Christmas gifts food . Let's get cooking! I feel confident this candied cranberries recipe will become a staple.

Let's Make Some Sparkly Magic: Candied Cranberries Recipe

Honestly, have you ever seen anything more Christmassy than candied cranberries ? They're like tiny, edible jewels. These sugared cranberries are dead easy to make.

They also add a touch of sparkle to any festive spread. I am going to guide you on how to make these wonderful cranberry treats .

Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place

Right, first things first. Let’s get our act together, shall we? Get all your ingredients out. Measure them. Chop anything that needs chopping. This is called "mise en place," my friends.

• Essential mise en place : Measure out the 1 cup (200g) sugar and 1 cup (240ml) water . Rinse those 12 ounces (340g) fresh cranberries . Got it? Good.
• Time saving organization tips : Use a small bowl to have extra sugar for rolling. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, that can save time later.
• Safety reminders : Don’t burn yourself with the hot sugar syrup, yeah? We don't want any kitchen mishaps.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

Alright, let’s get down to business. This easy Christmas candy recipe is so simple. I almost feel guilty sharing it. Almost.

1. Make the Simple Syrup : Combine the 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan.
2. Dissolve the Sugar : Heat over medium heat. Stir constantly. Make sure the sugar dissolves.
3. Simmer the Cranberries : Add the cranberries. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes .
4. Flavor (Optional) : If you're feeling fancy, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract .
5. Cool Down : Remove from heat. Let the cranberries cool completely in the syrup. This can take 1- 2 hours .
6. Prepare for Rolling : Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour your sugar in a bowl.
7. Roll in Sugar : Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries. Let extra syrup drip off. Roll them gently to coat.
8. Arrange and Dry : Put them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Let them dry for at least 1 hour .

Pro Tips for the Perfect Tart and Sweet Christmas Treats

Want to level up your holiday appetizer ideas ? Here are my top tips:

• Expert technique : Don't overcrowd your pan when cooking. This ensures even cooking.
• Common mistakes to avoid : Overcooking. Mushy cranberries are a no-no.
• make-ahead option : You can make the cranberry simple syrup recipe a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge.

Now, these sparkling cranberries are not just pretty, they're incredibly versatile. Use them to garnish festive cakes, as part of homemade Christmas food gifts , or just snack on them straight from the bowl.

Honestly, they're so good, they might not even make it to the cheese board. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Candied Cranberries Recipe

Time to get a bit more granular about these sparkling cranberries . Honestly, these notes are your secret weapon to total success.

Serving Up Some Style

Okay, so you've made your cranberry treats . Now how do you make them look amazing? I think beautiful plating can make food extra enjoyable, you know?

For presentation, think festive. A pretty glass bowl or a scattered arrangement on a charcuterie board. These Christmas food gifts look incredible next to a creamy brie.

As for sides? A crisp glass of Prosecco is the bomb . It makes the tartness really pop.

Storage Secrets

Let's talk storage. You don't want all your hard work going to waste. The Candied Cranberries Recipe keeps well if you treat it right.

In the fridge, sparkling cranberries will last up to five days in an airtight container. You can freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

Thaw them before serving. To reheat them, simply let them sit at room temperature.

Remixing Your Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few ideas, like a Christmas carol with different singers.

Try swapping the vanilla for orange zest. It gives a zingy twist. For a lower sugar version, use erythritol, but be warned it might crystalize slightly differently.

These tart and sweet Christmas treats are adaptable!

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, no one makes Candied Cranberries for health food. But here's the gist of it. Each serving clocks in at around 100 calories.

Cranberries themselves are packed with antioxidants, which is a plus. Enjoy these holiday appetizer ideas in moderation and savour the festive flavour.

And here's a final thought: I hope these tips help you rock this Easy Christmas Candy Recipe ! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. Happy cooking, mate!

Frequently Asked Questions

My candied cranberries are sticky, not sparkly! What went wrong?

Ah, the dreaded stickiness! The most likely culprit is not letting the cranberries dry for long enough after rolling them in sugar. Make sure to give them at least an hour, or even longer, at room temperature on parchment paper, ensuring they aren't touching each other, think "social distancing".

If your kitchen is particularly humid, you might even need to leave them overnight. Also, ensuring all the excess syrup is drained off before rolling will help!

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Candied Cranberries Recipe?

While you can use frozen cranberries, fresh ones are really the bees knees for this recipe. Frozen cranberries tend to release more moisture as they thaw, which can make the syrup too watery and prevent the sugar from adhering properly.

If you absolutely must use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the syrup. You may need to simmer them slightly longer to compensate for the extra moisture, but watch them carefully!

How long do Candied Cranberries last, and how should I store them?

Candied cranberries are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. To keep them as fresh as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the humidity can cause the sugar coating to become sticky again. Nobody wants that!

Can I add any flavourings to my Candied Cranberries?

Absolutely! Get creative! Adding a cinnamon stick or a star anise to the simple syrup will give your candied cranberries a lovely warm, spiced flavour, perfect for Christmas. You could also add a bit of orange or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.

A splash of vanilla extract (as the recipe suggests) gives a lovely comforting warmth.

Are Candied Cranberries healthy?

Let's be honest, Candied Cranberries are more of a treat than a health food, a bit like that extra slice of cake! While cranberries themselves are packed with antioxidants, the added sugar bumps up the calorie and sugar content.

Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, perhaps alongside some healthy nuts and cheese. You can experiment with sugar alternatives, but be aware that this may affect the final result.

Help! My sugar crystallized in the saucepan. What did I do wrong?

Sugar crystallization can be a bit of a pain, a bit like soggy bottoms on Bake Off! It often happens if sugar crystals cling to the sides of the pan and aren't dissolved properly. To prevent this, make sure to stir the sugar and water constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved before bringing the mixture to a simmer.

You can also use a clean pastry brush dipped in water to wash down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan. Some people recommend adding a tiny splash of corn syrup to prevent crystallization, but it's not essential.