Elevate your holiday table with a unique twist on a classic condiment: Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce! This delightful recipe combines the tartness of cranberry sauce with the rich sweetness of chocolate, creating a decadent treat that can be served as a side dish or a dessert. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and exquisite flavor. Let’s dive into this deliciously creative recipe!

Ingredients List

For the Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
• Sea salt (for garnish, optional)

Substitutions:

• Use dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the Cranberries: Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
3. Cool the Sauce: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
2. Dip the Cranberry Sauce: Once the cranberry sauce is chilled, use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to form small mounds of sauce on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Coat with Chocolate

1. Coat the Mounds: Dip each mound of cranberry sauce into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
2. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each chocolate-covered mound for a sweet and salty contrast.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Set the Chocolate: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
2. Serve: Once the chocolate has hardened, transfer the chocolate-covered cranberry sauce mounds to a serving platter. Enjoy as a unique side dish or dessert!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information per piece (assuming 12 servings):

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugar: 7g

This chocolate-covered cranberry sauce is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for holiday celebrations!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce a bit healthier, consider these alternatives:

• Use Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate for a richer flavor and added antioxidants.
• Reduce Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar in the cranberry sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served in various creative ways:

• Holiday Platter: Arrange the chocolate-covered cranberry sauce on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats.
• Cheese Board: Include them on a cheese board for a sweet and savory pairing.
• Dessert Topping: Use them as a topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a delicious dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Cranberries: Keep an eye on the cranberry sauce to prevent it from becoming too thick or burnt.
2. Not Chilling the Sauce: Allow the cranberry sauce to chill completely before coating it with chocolate for better shape and texture.
3. Skipping the Oil: Adding coconut oil to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and creates a nice glossy finish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store your Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer parchment paper between the pieces to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Covered Cranberry Sauce is a delightful and unique addition to your holiday spread. With its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor, it’s sure to be a conversation starter at your gatherings. Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cranberry sauce a day in advance and coat it with chocolate just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use dried cranberries instead?

While fresh or frozen cranberries work best for this recipe, you can experiment with dried cranberries, but the texture and flavor will differ.

Are these suitable for kids?

Yes! These treats are kid-friendly and make for a fun holiday snac