Gently wash cranberries. Boil a large pot of water. Use 2 quarts for a 12 oz. bag of cranberries. Put the cranberries in a bowl, and pour the boiling water over the cranberries and let the cranberries sit for a few minutes. The berries are ready when the skins all pop.
Drain the water and check each berry. If the skin didn't pop, pierce with a fork or cut in half. If you desire a sweeter craisin, sprinkle the berries with sugar or your favorite sweetener. To help dry the berries faster you can put them in the freezer for a couple hours. Spread them in a single layer on a cookie sheet to freeze
Set up your dehydrator according to its instructions. Spread the berries in a single layer on your dehydrator's sheet and allow to process (temp of 135 for 10 to 13 hours usually). Start checking the berries in about 10 hours. Depending on the dehydrator it can take up to 16 hours. Berries should be chewy and dry like a raisin.
It is best to store your dried cranberries in the freezer to retain the nutrients.
If you do not have a dehydrator you can dry cranberries in the oven. I am told you preheat your oven very well at 350 degrees. Put your berries on a cookie sheet layered with parchment paper. Place berries in the oven and turn the oven off. Leave in the oven overnight. I haven't tried this method yet so I recommend starting with a small batch and see how it does.
You can bring the cranberries back by soaking them in orange juice or try rums and brandies depending on what you plan to use them for.
Recommended Products:
- Nesco American Harvest FD-61WHC Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator All-In-One Kit with Jerky Gun
- Nesco LT-2SG Add-A-Tray for FD-61/FD-61WHC/FD-75A and FD-75PR Dehydrators, Set of 2
- Excalibur 2900 Economy Series 9 Tray Food Dehydrator - Black
- Mary Bell's Complete Dehydrator Cookbook
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