Buzz
When you're not the one cooking or hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you're probably spending the day before texting the host, desperately asking what you can bring. If you have cranberries, sugar, and water, you already have everything needed for the ideal appetizer—whether or not the host is aware of it.
Sugared cranberries are an old-fashioned, often overlooked treat that deserve far more attention. The first thing that catches your eye is how stunning they are—like oversized, sparkling rubies. But their appearance isn't the best part; the taste is even better. They combine an intense tartness with just a hint of sweetness, and the crunch from both the sugar coating and the cranberries is a delightful contrast to the usual Thanksgiving fare. Plus, unless they're already part of your family's traditions, you'll be the only one showing up with this unique treat.
Making sugared cranberries is incredibly easy. Simply combine half a cup of sugar with half a cup of water in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring until dissolved. Add a 12-ounce bag of fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, toss to coat them in the syrup, and then spread them out on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Allow them to dry for about an hour at room temperature.
Next, take a smaller rimmed dish and add another cup and a half of sugar. Gently roll the cranberries in the sugar, doing a handful at a time. Aim for a thick, clumpy sugar coating—it helps balance the sharp tartness of the cranberries. Once coated, return the sugared berries to the rack and let them dry for another hour. You can enjoy them immediately, or store them overnight in an airtight jar.
You can thread a few onto a toothpick to create a stylish cocktail garnish, sprinkle them over a pie topped with whipped cream, or simply enjoy them by the handful. Personally, I think they shine the most when placed on a pre-dinner cheese board—it’s like adding a crunchy pickle and a sweet-tart jam to your cheese, without the worry of competing flavors. No matter how you serve them, these little treats are sure to become a surprise favorite at this year’s gathering.
