How to Soften Dried Cranberries

Put cranberries in water to rehydrate.

When you want to make a recipe that calls for fresh cranberries and they are not available, do not despair. Rehydrate dried cranberries to use in place of fresh cranberries. Dried cranberries are available year-round and used as a snack, garnish for salads or as a substitute for raisins in recipes. Dried cranberries are fresh cranberries that have had their water removed. To make them soft again, rehydrate the cranberries.

Things You'll Need

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Microwave oven

Instructions

1. Put the dried cranberries in a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Cover the cranberries entirely with water.

3. Cover the bowl loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap.

4. Heat the bowl in the microwave for 3 minutes at full power.

5. Remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit for 10 minutes. Leave covered.

6. Remove the plastic wrap and drain off the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Use another liquid such as chicken broth or cider instead of water to rehydrate, to add flavor to a recipe.

References

• Boston University: Sage & Apple Seared Chicken Breast with Salad of Warm Wild Rice, Butternut Squash, and Sun-dried Fruit
• Country Living: Cranberry-Walnut Couscous

Resources

• Orrington Farms: Low-Fat Stuffing