Cranberry clusters, also known as cranberry walnut clusters, are a delectable treat that combines the tanginess of cranberries with the richness of walnuts and the sweetness of sugar. These bite-sized confections are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a sweet snack to enjoy at home. With a variety of recipes available, finding the perfect one to suit your taste and skill level can be overwhelming. This article aims to guide you through the culinary journey of creating delectable cranberry clusters by exploring different recipes, highlighting their unique flavors, and providing tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CRANBERRY CLUSTERS
You just need three ingredients to stir up these chewy and crunchy treats that make a nice addition to a candy tray. I sometimes use white chocolate in place of semisweet and replace the cashews with macadamia nuts.-Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 20m
Yield about 2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a heavy saucepan or microwave, melt the chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Stir in the cranberries and cashews. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 336 calories, Fat 21g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 7mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (37g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
CRANBERRY PECAN CLUSTERS
I have many candy recipes, and this is one of my favorites. The clusters are quick and easy to make.-Collette Tubman, St. Thomas, Ontario
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 30m
Yield about 20 pieces.
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Line a baking sheet with foil; set aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate, uncovered, at 50% power for about 2 minutes or until melted, stirring once. Stir until smooth. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared pan. Freeze for 5 minutes, then refrigerate until firm.
Nutrition Facts :
CRANBERRY CLUSTERS
Steps:
- Combine the sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Increase the heat to high and, without stirring, cook until the syrup is golden amber or until a candy thermometer reads between 250 to 265 degrees F (hard-ball stage), about 10 minutes (see Cook's Note*). Promptly remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Working quickly, drop 3 cranberries into the caramel. Use 2 forks to coat the cranberries completely in the syrup and pull together into a cluster. Place the cranberry cluster on a waxed paper lined baking tray. Repeat with the remaining cranberries. Reheat the syrup briefly over low heat if it starts to thicken. Let the clusters cool to harden.
- Melt the white chocolate in a stainless-steel bowl over barely simmering water. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula until the white chocolate is almost completely melted. Be careful that no moisture gets into the chocolate, or it will harden. Remove the bowl from the heat and allow the white chocolate to cool slightly.
- Dip the bottom of the cranberry cluster into the white chocolate and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet to set for approximately 20 minutes. Place clusters in paper candy cups and store in an airtight container.
CRANBERRY CLUSTERS
This is a favorite of my family, especially at Christmas. This is always requested by family and friends for me to make.
Provided by Cheri Spisak
Categories Chocolate
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside
- 2. In a medium-size bowl, stir together cranberries, almonds and pretzel pieces. Mix
- 3. Place chocolate in a medium size microwave safe bowl or a medium size sauce pan and melt the chocolate till completely melted. I prefer using a pan on stove but either works. I personally just try to use the microwave as least amount as possible.
- 4. Stir cranberry mixture into chocolate until it's all evenly coated. Place a heaping tablespoon of mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, making it a rounded mound. Repeat till you have used all the mixture up. Chill for about 20 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries. Fresh cranberries are available in the fall and winter, while frozen cranberries are available year-round. If using frozen cranberries, thaw them before using.
- Choose a variety of nuts. You can use any type of nuts you like in this recipe, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, or pistachios. For a more festive look, use a mix of different nuts.
- Toast the nuts before using. Toasting the nuts will bring out their flavor and make them more crunchy. To toast the nuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fragrant and golden brown.
- Use a good quality chocolate. The chocolate is the key ingredient in this recipe, so it's important to use a good quality chocolate that you enjoy the taste of. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Melt the chocolate slowly. To prevent the chocolate from seizing, melt it slowly over a double boiler or in the microwave on low power.
- Be careful not to overcook the chocolate. Overcooked chocolate will be thick and grainy. Remove the chocolate from the heat as soon as it is melted and smooth.
Conclusion:
Cranberry clusters are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any occasion. They're easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of cranberry clusters that will be enjoyed by everyone. So next time you're looking for a sweet and satisfying snack, give cranberry clusters a try!
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