Vanilla-Orange Sugared Cranberries

spicyperspective's Note:

I always like to make sugared cranberries in preparation for the holidays. They are extremely simple, and impressive at any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years table! Sugared cranberries are like nature-made Sour Patch Kids, sweet and tart. Plus they are so pretty; just think of all the wonderful ways to use them: Place them in a candy dish to be gobbled up by the handful! Use as a fancy garnish for holiday pies, cakes...even savory dishes. Fill martini or champagne glasses with them to decorate your holiday table. Place them in little tins or gift bags for small edible gifts!

• Total Time: 24 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 24 hrs
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 3 cups

• 3 3/4 cups sugar, divided
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons orange extract (or grand mariner)
• 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)

Directions:

1. Combine 2 ½ cups of sugar, water, vanilla, and orange extract in a sauce pan. Heat over medium until the sugar has completely dissolved—but not boiling.
2. Pour in the cranberries and stir. The hot syrup will loosen the skin, saturate the berries and adhere to the berries over time.
3. Cover the cranberries with a small plate to keep them mostly submerged. Then cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator over night.
4. Place the remaining 1 ¼ cup of sugar in a rimmed dish. Strain the cranberries and place them in the sugar. Shake until they are completely coated.
5. Carefully transfer them to a baking sheet to dry—about an hour.
6. Once the sugar coating is hard, place them in an air-tight container and keep in a cool spot for up to a week!
7. *Don’t forget to refrigerate your Cranberry Infused Vanilla-Orange Syrup for cocktail time!

Reviews

[Katherine R]

So simple and really good. I didn't have any orange flavoring so I just used vanilla and they are wonderful! I made them to originally give as gifts fro the holiday and will have to make more since my hubby and I keep eating them. Im also excited to try the syrup in tea. Highly recommend!!

[Nana Scriv]

Who would have thought these little sparkling sweet bites would be so amazingly tasty and versital in use. I loved cranberries this way.

[stgmngrjan]

These little jeweled cranberries were the hit of the dinner. Fun and fresh, everybody loved these. I used Chambord as I didn't have Grand Marnier. I loved how the sugar hardened on the outside of the cranberries. These will become a holiday staple.
Thanks,
Jan