Sugared Cranberries and Sage Leaves

These would be great as either a garnish for sweet potatoes or meat platters, or just as snacks. Bon Appetit Nov/07. Cooking times do not include 3 hours drying.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 8 garnishes

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup water
• 3⁄4 cup sugar, divided
• 1⁄2 cup cranberries (1 3/4 ounces)
• 8  sage leaves

Directions

1. Bring water and 1/2 cup sugar to a boil in a small heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Put remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl.
3. Lightly brush cranberries and both sides of sage leaves with sugar syrup, then immediately roll in sugar.
4. Transfer to a lightly oiled rack and dry at room temperature, 2 to 3 hours.
5. Cooks' note: Sugared cranberries and sage leaves keep, chilled in 1 layer in a baking pan, uncovered, 3 days.