Cranberries are a slightly tart fruit that you may associate with the cool, crisp air of fall and the upcoming holidays. Drying your own cranberries are more flavor, higher quality, less sugar, and a lot less expensive.

Things you’ll need:
12 oz. Cranberries, washed
Large bowl
2 quarts boiling water
Strainer
Sugar, honey or corn syrup (optional)
Depending on drying method:
Dehydrator
Cookie trays
Parchment paper

What to do:
Place your cranberries in a large bowl. Boil your water either on the stove or in the microwave, once your water is ready pour the boiling water over the cranberries. Let the cranberries sit, you will hear the skins pop (this should only take a few minutes if the water was boiling) once all the skins have popped they are ready to be dried. Drain the water (using a strainer) and pour the drained cranberries onto the paper towels, then take another sheet of paper towel and lay it on top of the cranberries and gently pat and roll dry. The more moisture you get off at this time the shorter the drying time. If you’re adding sugar or corn syrup, now is the time you want to add it. You can put the cranberries back into a dry bowl and sprinkle or drizzle your sweetness on and use your hands to gently coat all the cranberries. If you do not want sweetened cranberries, omit this step. Pierce those cranberries that did not split or pop with the tip of a paring knife before drying them. Here are a few methods for drying your cranberries:

What to do using a dehydrator:
Set up your dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lay the berries in a single layer on your dehydrator’s tray, don’t over crowd your cranberries or they wont dry properly. Place a piece of tin foil or parchment paper on the lowest tray to catch any extra water and to catch some of the little dried cranberries that might fall through the holes. Drying times will very depending on elevation, and how big your cranberries are, anywhere between 10 and 15 hours. Look for a berry that is dry like a raisin.

Oven method:
Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Once the oven is preheated and cranberries are ready. Turn the oven down to 150 degrees and put the cranberries in the oven. The drying time will be anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your oven, thickness of the berry and if you want them chewy or crunchy . Make sure to stir them around occasionally so they dry evenly. Once dried remove and allow the cranberries to cool completely.
OR
Turn on your oven to 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then turn it off. Put your cranberries in the oven and allow them to dry overnight or until dry.

Storing:
Store them in airtight container away from direct light or heat, in your freezer or fridge.