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Sparkling Sugared Cranberries with Rosemary

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These sparkling sugared cranberries with rosemary are ridiculously easy to make but look like you spent all day on them. They’re the perfect holiday appetizer or garnish, with a tart-sweet flavor and a beautiful sparkly sugar coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams), divided
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 3 to 4 large fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sparkling sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pick through the cranberries. Remove any soft or shriveled berries and stems. Pat dry gently with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup (200 grams) of the granulated sugar. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and syrup is fragrant.
  3. Remove saucepan from heat and let syrup cool for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
  4. Remove rosemary sprigs with a slotted spoon, squeezing out excess syrup. Discard sprigs. Stir in vanilla extract or orange zest if using.
  5. Gently add cranberries to the warm syrup and stir to coat. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until cranberries look glossy.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let drain for 10 to 15 minutes until tacky but not wet.
  7. Place remaining 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar in a medium bowl. If using coarse sparkling sugar, mix in 2 tablespoons.
  8. Working in batches, add a handful of tacky cranberries to the sugar bowl. Gently toss with hands or a spoon until completely coated. Transfer coated cranberries back to the baking sheet.
  9. Let sugared cranberries dry at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until sugar crust is hard and crunchy.
  10. Arrange on a serving platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish. Serve as a snack, on a cheese board, or as a cocktail garnish.

Notes

Don’t skip the drying step—cranberries must be tacky but not wet for sugar to stick. Work in small batches when coating. These keep at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If they get sticky, toss in fresh sugar before serving. For best results, use fresh cranberries, not frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugared cranberries, rosemary cranberries, holiday appetizer, easy holiday recipe, sparkling cranberries, Christmas appetizer, Thanksgiving snack

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/sparkling-sugared-cranberries-with-rosemary-easy-holiday-appetizer/