How to Make Dried Cranberries

Ingredients:

1. Fresh, ripe cranberries

2. Granulated sugar (optional, for sweetened dried cranberries)

3. Water (optional, for sweetened dried cranberries)

Equipment:

1. Baking sheets

2. Parchment paper

3. Microwave (if using the microwave method)

4. Oven

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Cranberries:

- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.

- Allow the cranberries to drain well in a colander.

- Pat the cranberries dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Conventional Oven Method:

- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).

- Line the baking sheets with parchment paper.

- Spread the cranberries evenly on the parchment paper-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are not overlapping.

- Bake the cranberries in the preheated oven for about 2-3 hours or until they become shriveled and appear dry to the touch.

3. Microwave Method:

- If you want a quicker option, you can also dry cranberries using a microwave.

- Line a microwave-safe plate or a paper towel-lined baking sheet with parchment paper.

- Place the cranberries on the parchment paper in a single layer.

- Microwave the cranberries on high power in short increments of 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring or shaking the cranberries in between.

- Continue microwaving in short intervals until the cranberries are dried to your desired consistency.

4. Sweetening the Cranberries (Optional):

- If you prefer sweetened dried cranberries, you can make a simple syrup to coat the cranberries.

- In a small saucepan, combine an equal amount of granulated sugar and water (e.g., 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water).

- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves.

- Reduce heat and simmer the syrup for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

- Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.

- Drizzle the cooled syrup over the dried cranberries and toss gently to coat them evenly.

5. Storing the Dried Cranberries:

- Allow the dried cranberries to cool completely before storing them.

- Transfer the dried cranberries to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.

- Store them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or a cupboard.

Your homemade dried cranberries will stay fresh for several weeks when stored properly. Enjoy them as a snack on their own, add them to trail mix or granola, use them in baking, or incorporate them into your favorite recipes for an extra burst of flavor.