Are you craving a cool and delicious treat that's both healthy and easy to make? Look no further! This cranberry ice recipe is perfect for a hot summer day or a refreshing anytime snack. It’s a delightful twist on traditional ice, bursting with the tart sweetness of cranberries and requiring minimal effort. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and adds a delicious dish to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or healthy meals. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so get ready to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or to taste, adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Optional: A pinch of orange zest for extra zing
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cranberry Sauce
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water.
- Combine the cranberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and optional orange zest.
Step 2: Freezing the Cranberry Ice
- Let the cranberry sauce cool completely. This is crucial to prevent icy crystals forming in your ice.
- Once cool, pour the cranberry sauce into a shallow freezer-safe container. A baking dish or a similar wide container works well to ensure even freezing.
- Cover the container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
Step 3: Serving your Cranberry Ice
- Once frozen, break the cranberry ice into chunks or scoop it out. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
This refreshing cranberry ice is best served immediately.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Ice:
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Some prefer a tarter ice, while others like it sweeter. Taste the sauce before freezing and add more sugar if needed.
- Fresh Cranberries: Using fresh cranberries yields the best flavor and texture. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, but they may result in a slightly less vibrant color.
- Freezing Time: The freezing time may vary depending on your freezer and the size of your container. Check periodically to ensure it's fully frozen before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover cranberry ice in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Variations:
- Spiced Cranberry Ice: Add a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cloves while simmering the cranberries for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cranberry Orange Ice: Increase the amount of orange zest, or add a tablespoon of orange juice for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Cranberry Ginger Ice: Add a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate, based on a 4-serving recipe):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Sugar: Approximately 30g
This cranberry ice recipe offers a simple and healthy way to enjoy the delicious taste of cranberries. It's a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and delicious dishes, ideal for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy!