Dried Cranberry Receipes

Imagine a small, vibrant, ruby-red gem that adds both color and zest to culinary creations. That's exactly what dried cranberries bring to the table. Rich in antioxidants and offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, dried cranberries are not just a snack but a versatile ingredient capable of transforming the most ordinary dishes into something special. In this post, we will explore various dried cranberry recipes that range from sweet treats to savory delights, giving you all the inspiration you need to incorporate these little bursts of flavor into your kitchen repertoire.

Why Use Dried Cranberries?

Before diving into the recipes, let's look at why dried cranberries deserve a spot in your pantry:

• Nutrition: They are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and E, making them a health-conscious addition to your diet.
• Flavor: Their unique tart-sweet profile adds complexity to both savory and sweet dishes.
• Versatility: Perfect for baking, snacking, salads, or even as a topping for yogurt and cereals.
• Convenience: Dried cranberries have a long shelf life, making them a practical choice for the pantry.

Sweet Delights with Dried Cranberries

Let's start with some sweet treats where cranberries can truly shine:

Dried Cranberry Scones

The humble scone gets an elegant makeover with dried cranberries:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the dried cranberries and mix.
4. Make a well in the center, pour in the cream and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough forms, but do not overwork it.
5. Pat the dough into a circle, cut into 8 wedges, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.

💡 Note: For an extra touch, you can brush the scones with a little milk or egg wash before baking to achieve a golden hue.

Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies

The iconic combination of tart cranberries with sweet white chocolate:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients, then fold in the cranberries and white chocolate.
5. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.

Savory Inspirations

Cranberry-Walnut Chicken Salad

Here’s a refreshing take on chicken salad with the addition of dried cranberries:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup dried cranberries
• ¹⁄₂ cup walnuts, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup green onions, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, walnuts, celery, and green onions.
2. In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
3. Serve chilled, as a sandwich filler, or atop mixed greens.

Quinoa and Dried Cranberry Salad

This salad is both hearty and flavorful:

• 1 cup quinoa
• ¹⁄₂ cup dried cranberries
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¹⁄₃ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Cool.
2. Combine quinoa with cranberries, parsley, red onion, and feta in a bowl.
3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Toss the salad with the dressing.

📝 Note: Quinoa can be replaced with cooked and cooled couscous, bulgur, or farro for variety.

Wrapping Up

We’ve journeyed through the versatile world of dried cranberry recipes, uncovering both sweet and savory applications for these tiny bursts of flavor. From scones to cookies, salads to snacks, dried cranberries elevate dishes with their tartness and vibrant color, adding not just visual appeal but a nutritious boost. By integrating dried cranberries into your diet, you’re adding a layer of complexity to your meals, making them healthier, more flavorful, and downright irresistible.

Can dried cranberries be used in savory dishes?

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Yes, dried cranberries complement savory dishes beautifully. They add a sweet-tart flavor that contrasts with meats, grains, and greens, making dishes like chicken salad or quinoa salad more dynamic.

How do I store dried cranberries to keep them fresh?

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Keep dried cranberries in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They can last for months, but for extended shelf life, you might consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Are there any health benefits to eating dried cranberries?

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Definitely. Dried cranberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and fiber, which can help support immune health, digestion, and heart health.