Keeping cranberries fresh ensures you can enjoy Wisconsin’s fruit all year round.
Freezing cranberries is a practical method that allows you to ensure that you have lively, delicious berries on hand whenever you crave a sweet, tart snack, regardless of the season.
To freeze cranberries, start by thoroughly washing and drying the berries. Once ready, spread them out on a baking tray, making sure they form one layer. Flash freezing this way prevents them from sticking together, which makes portioning easier later. Once frozen, transfer the cranberries to airtight bags or freezer containers.
Frozen cranberries can be an uncomplicated addition to everyday meals and baked goods. Throw a handful into smoothies for a bit of tartness, or operate them straight from the freezer to make homemade cranberry sauce for impromptu get-togethers. Frozen blueberries can also be a fantastic addition to baked goods like cranberry pumpkin muffins, adding a touch of Wisconsin agriculture to cookies, pancakes and bread.
cranberry and pumpkin flavored muffins
These muffins tend to have a damp and tender texture, making them the perfect choice for breakfast or a snack.
- 1/4 C margarine softened
- 1 1/4 C sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 C canned pumpkin
- 1 1/2 C flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 C chopped cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1/2 C chopped walnuts
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Cream the margarine and sugar and beat together. Add the eggs, one at a time, and one cup of canned pumpkin.
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Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves. Slowly add to moist ingredients.
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Add chopped fresh or frozen cranberries and chopped walnuts.
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Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling them to the very top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 36GProtein: 2GFat: 7GSaturated fat: 1GPolyunsaturated fat: 4GMonounsaturated fats: 2GTrans fats: 0.001GCholesterol: 0.01mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 2GSugar: 18GVitamin A: 2173IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 2mg
Preserving cranberries by freezing not only preserves their taste, but also their nutritional value. Frozen cranberries retain their antioxidants and vitamins, making them a well and convenient addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Whether you stocked up during harvest time or bought a lot at the grocery store, freezing cranberries is a elementary and effective way to ensure you have this versatile ingredient ready for your culinary adventures whenever the mood strikes.
This recipe appeared in Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Country Trail. Photos and recipe courtesy of Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association.
