5 Delicious Recipes Using 2 Cups of Cranberries

Looking for creative ways to incorporate cranberries into your cooking routine? With their vibrant color and tart flavor, cranberries are not just for the holiday season but can elevate a variety of dishes throughout the year. Here are five recipes that use exactly two cups of cranberries to give your meals a burst of flavor and a splash of color.

1. Cranberry Orange Scones

Nothing says a cozy morning quite like fresh-baked scones. Here's how to make your own batch:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter, cut into pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Beat eggs lightly and mix in orange juice. Add this to the dry ingredients, along with the cranberries and orange zest, stirring just until combined.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Shape into a circle and cut into 8 wedges.
5. Place on a baking sheet, brush with a little milk or cream, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

🍒 Note: Ensure the butter is very cold for the flakiest scones. If the cranberries are frozen, do not thaw them before adding.

2. Cranberry and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast

This recipe gives a gourmet twist to a weeknight dinner with cranberries and brie cheese stuffed inside chicken breasts.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 4 oz brie, cut into slices
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare a baking dish, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Create a pocket in each chicken breast for stuffing.
3. Mix cranberries, breadcrumbs, and nuts. Stuff each chicken breast with brie and the cranberry mixture.
4. Secure with toothpicks, place in the baking dish, and bake for 30-35 minutes until fully cooked.

Serve these delicious breasts with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

3. Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad

A refreshing salad that's perfect as a side or light lunch:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
2. Toss spinach, almonds, and feta in a large bowl. Mix olive oil and vinegar for the dressing.
3. Top with cranberry sauce and drizzle with the dressing before serving.

4. Slow Cooker Cranberry Pork Roast

Let the slow cooker do the work with this juicy, flavor-packed pork roast.

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 (3-4 lb) pork shoulder or butt roast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Steps:

1. Season the roast with garlic powder and thyme.
2. Place the roast in the slow cooker, add cranberries, sugar, water, and soy sauce.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.

This roast is perfect served with mashed potatoes or over a bed of cooked greens.

5. Cranberry and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

A delightful treat for breakfast or brunch:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar for cream cheese
• 1/4 cup almond slices (optional for topping)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and sour cream, mix well.
3. Combine dry ingredients and mix into the wet. Spread half of the batter into the pan.
4. Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Dot the batter with spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and scatter cranberries over top. Cover with the remaining batter.
5. Sprinkle almonds on top if desired. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy these delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of cranberries. Whether you're making a sweet treat or adding a tart note to a savory dish, these recipes ensure that cranberries are never out of season in your kitchen.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

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Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Make sure to use them directly from the freezer without thawing, especially in baking recipes to prevent excess moisture from altering the texture of your dish.

How do I store leftovers from these recipes?

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Most cranberry dishes can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days. Cover or store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Freezing is also an option for longer storage, particularly for scones and muffins, which can be thawed and reheated when needed.

What are some health benefits of cranberries?

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Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins, which can help prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. They are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and can contribute to heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure.