/ Better Living

Cranberries: think beyond sauce

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04:34 PM EST on Monday, December 15, 2003

Sherri Brennen / WVEC-TV

--Choose berries that are bright red and plump. The freshest cranberries will bounce when dropped.

--Don’t wash berries until just before you’re ready to use them and be sure to remove any discolored or soft berries.

Wendy Juren, WVEC-TV Fresh and frozen cranberries can usually be used interchangeably in most recipes.

--You can refrigerate unwashed, fresh cranberries up to eight weeks and freeze them for up to a year. Both fresh and frozen can usually be used interchangeably in most recipes.

--The quickest and easiest way to chop cranberries is with a food processor. If you’re doing a lot of cooking, pre-chop a large quantity ahead to save time.

--Avoid cooking cranberries in aluminum cookware. The acidity in the berries will cause them to discolor.

--Cook berries until they pop. That means the berry’s outer skin is expanding until it bursts making a soft popping sound.

--Cranberries are very versatile. Try substituting dried berries for raisins and to add a kick to salads, toss in a small amount of freshly chopped berries.

--You can rehydrate dried berries by covering them with hot water and letting them stand for about twenty minutes

--Think beyond sauce. a jar of cranberry syrup or cranberry vinegar makes a great gift.

--To make cranberry syrup, take one can of whole cranberry or plain cranberry sauce and add several tablespoons of corn syrup. Cook over low heat until blended.

Wendy Juren, WVEC-TV Cranberries are a great natural decoration in seasonal arrangements.

--For cranberry vinegar, you'll need 1 cup of cranberries, 3 and a quarter cups white vinegar and a half of cup of honey. Heat cranberries in a medium saucepan with the vinegar and bring to a full boil until cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat and scoop out the cranberries. Stir in honey. Let mixture cool and using a funnel, pour into clean glass bottles or other glass containers. Float fresh washed cranberries in bottle before sealing.

--Cranberries are also a great natural decoration. String cranberries onto floral wire and wrap with raffia.

--Use them to anchor seasonal greens in a vase for a quick arrangement. Fill the vase first with berries and then add water otherwise the berries will float to the top.

So there you have it, a few quick cranberry tips.

Editor's Note: Better Living with Sherri Brennen began as a series on WVEC-TV's 13 News in Norfolk, Virginia. It was an instant success with viewers, and led to the publication of the highly popular book Better Living . The much anticipated Better Living Volume 2 is now available, featuring even more great ways to save money and simplify your life. To purchase these books, please e-mail your request to WVEC-TV's Community Affairs Department. Send your e-mail to Wendy Juren: wjuren@wvec.com