Dry Fresh Cranberry Beans
Cranberries are often served at Thanksgiving and shine throughout the holidays. However, they are useful for making more than just sauce and can-shaped gelatin. High in vitamin C, vitamin B, fiber and antioxidants, cranberries are healthy raisin substitutes and a sweet snack. They are wonderful for baking or cooking in any number of recipes. Drying fresh cranberries is a simple way to preserve them for use throughout the year. They are often on sale at the holidays, so stock up and dry away.
Instructions
1. Pour your cranberries into a colander. Discard any bruised or blemished cranberries. Drying them will simply preserve the fruit, not enhance them, so toss cranberries that have been damaged.
2. Rinse the berries under warm water, washing away any dirt or wax.
3. Place a pot of water on the stove, and bring to a boil. Turn off the stove, and immediately drop your cranberries in the hot water.
4. Leave the cranberries in the water for 20 seconds, then pour the contents of the pot into a colander to strain out the water.
5. Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Add the cranberries to stop the cooking process, leaving them in the water for 20 seconds.
6. Set out a tea towel or other clean rag. Remove the cranberries from the ice water with a slotted spoon, and pour them onto the towel so it can absorb excess water.
7. Place the cranberries in a freezer-safe container or plastic zip-top bag, and freeze them for 2 hours.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
9. Remove the cranberries from the freezer, and pour them onto a baking sheet. Turn off the oven, and place the baking sheet in the oven while it's still hot. Leave overnight.
10. Remove the cranberries from the oven, and store them in an airtight container.
Tags: cranberries from, Remove cranberries, Remove cranberries from, baking sheet, cranberries water
