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Easy Homemade Sugared Cranberry Garland for Holiday Boards

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This sugared cranberry garland is a beautiful, budget-friendly, and surprisingly easy holiday centerpiece. With just three ingredients and about 20 minutes of active work, you can create a stunning, sparkly garland that looks like it took hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Kitchen twine or cotton string (about 3 to 4 feet per garland)
  • Large sewing needle (darning needle)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cranberries. Place the cranberries in a colander and give them a quick rinse under cold water. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to air dry completely.
  2. Prepare the egg white mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg white and water until frothy but not stiff—about 30 seconds.
  3. Coat the cranberries. Add the dried cranberries to the egg white mixture. Gently toss them with your hands or a spatula until every cranberry is coated.
  4. Sugar the cranberries. Place the cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Working in batches, transfer the coated cranberries to the sugar using a slotted spoon or your hands. Gently roll them around until they’re completely coated.
  5. Dry the cranberries. Spread the sugared cranberries on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a single layer. Let them dry at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours until they feel dry to the touch.
  6. String the garland. Thread your needle with kitchen twine. Tie a knot at the end of the twine, leaving a 3-inch tail. Gently pierce each cranberry through the center with the needle and slide it down the twine. Leave about 1/4 inch between each cranberry. Continue until you’ve used all the cranberries or reached your desired length.
  7. Finish the garland. Tie another knot at the end, leaving another 3-inch tail. Gently fluff the garland so the cranberries are evenly spaced. Trim any excess twine.
  8. Let it rest (optional but recommended). Let the garland sit for another hour before using to allow the sugar coating to fully set.

Notes

For a vegan version, replace egg white with aquafaba (whisked until frothy). For a lower-sugar option, reduce sugar coating by half or use a sugar substitute. Fresh cranberries are essential; frozen will not work. Drying time is crucial to avoid sticky cranberries. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugared cranberries, cranberry garland, holiday centerpiece, edible garland, easy holiday decor, budget-friendly holiday

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-homemade-sugared-cranberry-garland-for-holiday-boards/