Linda CainWhen celebrating the holiday season or hosting a special gathering, the right accompaniments can elevate any dish. Sugared cranberries are not just a stand-alone treat; they can complement a range of festive foods. Think about serving them with a creamy cheese platter.
The tartness of the cranberries contrasts beautifully with rich, soft cheeses like brie or camembert. They also pair well with savory meats, adding a delightful burst of flavor alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham.
Moreover, consider adding sugared cranberries to your holiday salads. Their bright color and flavor profile offer a perfect balance to drab winter greens. To make a fantastic punch, drop a handful into flavored sparkling water or a festive cocktail. Their vibrant hue also lends itself beautifully to garnish desserts like cakes and cupcakes. Simply put, these little jewels not only taste great but also add visual flair to your table.
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Picture this: It’s the holiday season. You’re surrounded by family, laughter fills the air, and the table is laden with delicious food. You want to impress your guests, but you also want to keep things simple.
Enter 3-ingredient sugared cranberries. These delightful little gems are quick to prepare and add a touch of elegance to your festivities. They’re not just a treat for the tastebuds; they’re a feast for the eyes, glistening with sugar, ready to refresh any dish or dessert.
What’s intriguing about this recipe isn’t just about combining a few ingredients. It’s about the memories you’ll create while preparing them. You might find yourself reminiscing over previous family gatherings or crafting a new tradition. It’s all about sharing, caring, and indulging in the simple pleasure of good food.
What Are 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries?
Simply put, 3-ingredient sugared cranberries are fresh cranberries coated in a sweet, sugary glaze. The cranberry’s natural tartness is perfectly balanced with sugar and a hint of orange zest, creating a delightful contrast.
It’s one of those recipes that make you question why you didn’t discover it sooner! Fresh cranberries transform into sparkling jewels ready to brighten any holiday event.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is straightforward and effective. Each ingredient plays an important role. The tartness of cranberries is a natural complement to the sweetness of sugar. Adding orange zest introduces a citrusy fragrance that elevates the overall flavor. The cinnamon adds depth and warmth, making it a perfect holiday treat.
Furthermore, sugaring cranberries is a traditional technique that not only preserves them but can also be used effectively in various dishes. The simplicity of three ingredients means this recipe is accessible for even the busiest of home cooks. You’ll find satisfaction in knowing you’ve created something that’s both beautiful and delicious with minimal fuss.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
To create these sugared cranberries, gather the following ingredients:
12 ounces of fresh cranberries: Look for bright and firm cranberries, free from blemishes.
1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup brown sugar: Combining these two adds both sweetness and a hint of complexity.
Zest of 1 small orange: This will brighten up the tart cranberries.
1/4 cup filtered water: Essential for creating the sugar syrup.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries
Step 1: Prepare Your Cranberries
Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold running water. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry. This step ensures that no water dilutes the sugar syrup.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and filtered water. Heat over medium until the sugars dissolve completely. You’re aiming for a light syrup, so don’t rush this step! Stir occasionally to prevent any sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Add Orange Zest
Once your syrup is bubbling gently, add the orange zest. Stir it in and let it simmer for about one minute. This brief cooking time allows the zest to infuse its oils into the syrup, creating a deep, aromatic base for your cranberries.
Step 4: Coat the Cranberries
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly add the dried cranberries. Stir until each cranberry is generously coated in the syrup. Remember, they should look like little jewels covered in syrup!
Step 5: Sugar Time!
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will help drain excess syrup. Let the cranberries sit for about 30 minutes to an hour until they’re tacky but not wet.
Step 6: Coat with Sugar
Place the extra sugar in a bowl. Once the cranberries are tacky, roll each cranberry individually in the sugar until they are well-coated. This is what gives them that beautiful, sugared look.
Step 7: Let Them Dry
Allow the sugared cranberries to dry for another 30 minutes. This drying time ensures that the sugar adheres well.
Tips for Perfect Sugared Cranberries
Use Fresh Cranberries: Choose firm, vibrantly colored cranberries. Avoid any that are soft or shriveled.
Experiment with Flavors: Add spices such as nutmeg or cloves for a festive twist.
Adjust Sweetness: Modify the sugar to your preference. Some people prefer a bit more sweetness.
Use a Zester: For zesting, use a microplane zester to get the most flavor out of the orange.
Keep an Eye on the Syrup: Don’t let your sugar syrup boil too aggressively. You want it just hot enough to dissolve the sugars.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they’ll last for about two weeks. Make sure they are fully dry before storing to prevent clumping.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these sugared cranberries offers a delightful burst of flavor without excessive calories. A standard serving (about ⅓ cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 1g
These little treats are not just delicious but also packed with antioxidants from the cranberries—talk about a sweet deal!
How Would I Recommend Serving 3 Ingredient Sugared Cranberries?
Cheese Platter: Lightly drizzle honey over a cheese board. Add an assortment of creamy cheeses. Place the sugared cranberries on the side. The mix of tart and sweet will be a hit!
Holiday Cocktails: Add a handful to festive cocktails. Their vibrant color and tangy flavor make for an eye-catching garnish. They can even be dropped into sparkling water for a non-alcoholic refreshment.
Dessert Garnish: Top your cakes or cupcakes with a few sugared cranberries. Not only do they look stunning, but they also add a burst of flavor to each bite.
Salads: Toss them into your winter salads. They elevate a basic green salad by adding a burst of sweetness amid crisp lettuce and nuts. A perfect balance for any bite.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?
Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work in a pinch. Just thaw them before use but be prepared for a slightly softer texture.
Raw Sugar: Instead of regular granulated and brown sugar, use raw sugar for a more complex sweetness and crunch.
Lemon Zest: If oranges aren’t handy, lemon zest can replace orange for a more acidic flavor. Adjust the amount to balance the tartness.
Maple Syrup: For a different sweetness profile, replace sugar with pure maple syrup. It adds its unique flavor and is a lovely alternative.
3-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing the cranberries under cold running water. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry. This step ensures that no water dilutes the sugar syrup.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and filtered water. Heat over medium until the sugars dissolve completely. You’re aiming for a light syrup, so don’t rush this step! Stir occasionally to prevent any sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once your syrup is bubbling gently, add the orange zest. Stir it in and let it simmer for about one minute. This brief cooking time allows the zest to infuse its oils into the syrup, creating a deep, aromatic base for your cranberries.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly add the dried cranberries. Stir until each cranberry is generously coated in the syrup. Remember, they should look like little jewels covered in syrup!
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries onto a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will help drain excess syrup. Let the cranberries sit for about 30 minutes to an hour until they’re tacky but not wet.
- Place the extra sugar in a bowl. Once the cranberries are tacky, roll each cranberry individually in the sugar until they are well-coated. This is what gives them that beautiful, sugared look.
- Allow the sugared cranberries to dry for another 30 minutes. This drying time ensures that the sugar adheres well.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dried cranberries for this recipe?
No, dried cranberries should not be used. The texture and moisture levels differ significantly. Fresh cranberries are essential for this recipe to achieve the right sweetness and tartness.
2. How do I know if the cranberries are fresh?
Fresh cranberries will be firm, plump, and have a rich color. If they’re squishy or shriveled, they’ve passed their prime.
3. Is it possible to make sugar-free sugared cranberries?
While traditional sugared cranberries rely on sugar, you can experiment with sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. However, the texture and taste may differ.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re planning on serving a large group, feel free to double or even triple the recipe. Just ensure you have a larger pot to handle the increased volume.
5. Can I freeze sugared cranberries?
You can freeze them, but the texture may change. If you do freeze them, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before placing them in a container.
6. What’s the best way to present sugared cranberries at a gathering?
Consider presenting them in a beautiful glass bowl. You can sprinkle additional sugar on top for extra glamour, or garnish with fresh mint leaves for color.
Conclusion
Three-ingredient sugared cranberries are a delightful addition to any festive table. With minimal prep and a simple cooking process, you can create a visually stunning and delicious treat that will wow your guests. Whether nestled next to your cheese platter or topping a holiday dessert, they are sure to be a topic of conversation.
As you prepare them, enjoy the cooking process, the cheerful mess, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. After all, food is not merely for sustenance but is meant to be shared, enjoyed, and savored. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to sprinkle some sugary joy on your holiday gatherings!
