Sweet and Tart: Cranberry Candy Recipe

Welcome to my delicious cranberry candy recipe! If you’re a fan of sweet treats that pack a punch, then this recipe is perfect for you. Cranberries are a great ingredient for candy because they offer a unique tartness that balances out the sweetness of the sugar.

In this recipe, we’ll be making both candied and sugared cranberries, which are perfect for snacking on or adding to desserts. The process is simple and can be done in just a few steps, making it a great recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks.

So, put on your apron, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on making some tasty cranberry candy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a sweet and tangy treat that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy? Look no further than this cranberry candy recipe! Bursting with the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and sugar, this candy is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can make it with either fresh or frozen cranberries, and it can be adapted to suit a range of tastes. Want to add a bit of citrusy zing? Try stirring in some orange zest. Looking for a richer flavor? Dip your candy in melted white chocolate.

But the real star of the show here is the cranberries. Not only are they packed with antioxidants and other nutrients, but they also bring a bright, festive color to your candy dish. Whether you’re serving these candies as a snack at a holiday gathering or just indulging in them on your own, their sweet-tart flavor and cheerful appearance are sure to put a smile on your face.

So why not give this cranberry candy recipe a try? With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in no time at all.

Ingredient List

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients we need. For this cranberry candy recipe, we will need the following:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup of jellied cranberry sauce
• 3-4 cups of fresh cranberries
• 2 cups of granulated sugar (divided)
• 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water (optional)

Note that you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe, but it’s important to let them thaw completely before starting the recipe. Also, make sure to have a medium saucepan and a food processor on hand. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store or market. Now, let’s get started on making these delicious candied cranberries!

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start making our cranberry candy! In this section, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this sweet and tangy treat.

Step 1: Cook the Cranberries

First, you need to cook the cranberries to make them tender. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir in 4 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries and heat over medium heat. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and become soft.

Step 2: Make the Candied Cranberries

Remove the cooked cranberries from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely chopped. Return the chopped cranberries to the saucepan and add 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add a 3-ounce package of jellied cranberry sauce and stir until it is dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water and stir to combine.

Step 3: Make the Sugared Cranberries

To make sugared cranberries, simply coat fresh cranberries in a mixture of sugar and water. Combine 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add 3 cups of fresh cranberries and stir to coat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to dry. Once dry, roll the cranberries in a bowl of sugar until they are coated.

Step 4: Combine the Candied and Sugared Cranberries

Mix the candied and sugared cranberries together in a large bowl until they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your cranberry candy is now ready to serve and enjoy! You can serve it on its own as a sweet snack or use it as a topping for desserts like cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream. You can also use it in recipes like cranberry pistachio bark or chocolate candy with cranberry sauce. Store any leftover cranberry candy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Now that you know how to make this delicious cranberry candy, it’s time to get cooking! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

This cranberry candy recipe is a versatile one, and you can always switch up the ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations to try:

1. Cranberry Sauce: Instead of using jellied cranberry sauce, you can use homemade cranberry sauce. Simply cook fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and become soft. Then, blend the mixture in a food processor until smooth. This will give your candy a more natural, tangy flavor.

2. Orange Flavor: To add a citrusy twist to your cranberry candy, you can add orange zest or orange juice to the mixture. You can also use orange blossom water instead of vanilla extract for a more floral aroma.

3. Sugared Cranberries: If you want to make sugared cranberries instead of candied cranberries, simply skip the step where you cook the cranberries in sugar syrup. Instead, coat fresh cranberries in sugar and water mixture, then let them dry overnight. The result is a sweet and crunchy treat that is perfect for snacking or decorating cakes and cocktails.

4. Chocolate Coated: For a decadent twist, you can dip the cooled cranberries in melted white or dark chocolate. You can also make a homemade cranberry pistachio bark by mixing chopped pistachios with melted chocolate and dried cranberries.

5. Sugar Coated: If you prefer a simpler recipe, you can coat the cooked cranberries in granulated sugar instead of making a syrup. This will give the cranberries a crunchy, sugar-coated texture that is perfect for snacking or topping cakes and desserts.

Whatever variation you choose, this cranberry candy recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Serving and Pairing

Once you’ve made this delightful cranberry candy, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy its delicious taste. You can serve this cranberry candy as a snack or as an after-dinner dessert. It’s perfect to bring out during the festive holiday season, but it’s also great as a treat any time of the year.

The tartness of the cranberries pairs well with a variety of different flavors. You can serve them with a glass of champagne or a sweet dessert wine to balance out the tartness. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, you can pair them with a cup of hot tea or coffee to bring out the sweetness of the candy.

For a more decadent serving option, you can pair these cranberry candies with a slice of your favorite cake, or you can sprinkle them on top of some vanilla ice cream. The cranberries add a pop of flavor and texture to any dessert.

If you’re looking to get creative, you can also use these cranberry candies as a topping for other desserts such as a cranberry pistachio bark, chocolate fudge, or even a fruit jelly recipe. The possibilities are endless!

Overall, this cranberry candy is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re serving it up as an after-dinner dessert or using it as a topping for other desserts, this candy is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about cranberry candy is that you can make it in advance and store it for later. This recipe can be made up to 2 weeks ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes it a great option for holiday parties or as a homemade gift.

When storing the candied cranberries, make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from any moisture. If they start to stick together, you can toss them in a little extra sugar to keep them separated.

To reheat the cranberry candy, simply place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat it in a low oven (around 200°F) for 5-10 minutes. This will help to refresh the sugar coating and bring out the flavor of the cranberries.

If you happen to have any leftovers, you can also use the cranberry candy in a variety of other recipes. Try chopping it up and using it to top a salad or mixing it into some homemade granola for a sweet and crunchy treat.

Overall, this cranberry candy recipe is a versatile and delicious treat that can be made ahead, stored easily, and reheated for a quick and tasty snack.

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you know how to make the perfect cranberry candy, let me share some tips that will help you achieve perfect results every time.

1. Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Fresh cranberries are the best option, but frozen cranberries will work just as well. Avoid using dried cranberries as they will not work for this recipe.

2. Rinse and dry the cranberries: Before using the cranberries, rinse them well under cold water and dry them completely. Removing any dirt or debris will ensure a clean and flavorful final product.

3. Coat the cranberries evenly: When making the candied cranberries, make sure to coat them evenly with the sugar syrup. This will ensure that each cranberry is coated with a sweet and crunchy layer.

4. Use a food processor: If you want to make sugared cranberries, using a food processor to grind the sugar into a fine powder will result in a smoother and more even coating.

5. Don’t overcook the cranberries: Overcooking the cranberries will result in a mushy and unappetizing texture. Cook the cranberries until they are just tender, then remove them from the heat.

6. Use a candy thermometer: Using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup will ensure that it reaches the correct consistency. The syrup should reach a temperature of 234-240°F (112-116°C) to achieve the perfect texture.

7. Experiment with flavors: While cranberry candy is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different flavors to make it even more exciting. Try adding orange zest or cinnamon to the sugar syrup for a festive twist.

8. Store in an airtight container: To ensure that your cranberry candy stays fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect cranberry candy every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and variations to make it your own. Enjoy!

FAQ

Now, it’s time for some frequently asked questions about making cranberry candy. Read on to clear any doubts and achieve perfect results with this recipe.

How do you make cranberry candy?

If you happen to interact with certain NPCs in the game and they mention your character’s name, you will receive a tasty treat known as cranberry candy.

How do you dry and sweeten cranberries?

Let’s get started by preheating the oven to a low 200ºF and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, grab some fresh cranberries and give them a good chop in half. Toss them in a bowl with your preferred sweeteners and a drizzle of oil to coat them evenly.
Once they’re coated, spread them out on the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Now, this is where the patience comes in – let them dry out in the oven for at least three hours, or until they’ve reached your desired level of dryness.
When they’re done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let them cool down. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh. Trust me, these are going to be a game changer in your recipes!

[Include transition] Now that we have our homemade dried cranberries ready, let’s put them to use in a delicious recipe.

First, let’s whip up a simple spinach salad. Grab a handful of fresh spinach leaves and toss them in a bowl. Add in some sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous handful of our homemade dried cranberries.
For the dressing, whisk together some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and dijon mustard until it’s smooth and creamy. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give everything a good toss.

[Include literary devices] The sweet and tangy flavors of the dried cranberries perfectly complement the earthy taste of the spinach, while the feta cheese adds a nice creamy texture. The dressing ties everything together with its zesty and slightly sweet taste. This salad is a true crowd-pleaser and it’s perfect for any occasion.

[Include transition] But why stop at just salads? Let’s take these dried cranberries to the next level and use them in a tasty oatmeal cookie recipe.

Start by creaming together some softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add in an egg and some vanilla extract, and mix until it’s well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together some flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until it forms a dough.
Fold in a generous amount of our homemade dried cranberries and some rolled oats until they’re evenly distributed.
Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

[Include tips and recommendations] Pro tip: let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them hold their shape and prevent them from crumbling. Enjoy these delicious and chewy oatmeal cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

[Include concluding sentence] In conclusion, these homemade dried cranberries are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. From salads to baked goods, they add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor that will elevate any dish. Give them a try and see for yourself!

Do I need to cook cranberries before baking?

When making this fast bread recipe, it’s unnecessary to precook the cranberries. However, it’s crucial to rinse and dry fresh cranberries properly before mixing them into the batter. If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t bother defrosting them before adding them to the mixture. Keep in mind that dried cranberries can’t replace fresh cranberries in this recipe.

What do you use to grind cranberries?

When it comes to making the relish, there are two options for grinding up the ingredients: using a grinder or a food processor. Personally, I prefer using a grinder, whether it’s a traditional one or a KitchenAid attachment. I find that it does a better job of mashing up the cranberries, orange, and apples together while it chops them up. However, using a food processor is also a viable option and will get the job done just fine.

Bottom Line

:

In conclusion, this cranberry candy recipe is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of tangy cranberries and sugary coating creates a delightful flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cranberry candy recipe is sure to impress. You can also make variations by using different types of sugar, adding orange zest, or even dipping them in white chocolate.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and start making this delicious cranberry candy recipe today. You won’t regret it!

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