Runner Food: Sugared Cranberries and Pineapple, Oh My!

Miles run: 5.2

Miles it feels like after a snowstorm: 8-10

Guilt over all the cookies consumed:  None

We had a marvelous Christmas.

We ate so much I felt ill after our Christmas Eve Spanish Paella feast.  Pics to come...but first, here's an easy, beautiful and delicious post-Christmas treat:  Sugared Cranberries.

I have never liked cranberries, but after this Christmas, life will never be the same.  I have repented.

These are oh-so-good, light, and (relatively) healthy!  Perfect for the new year.

This technique comes right from Annie's Eats, a site I love.  First, equal parts water and granulated white sugar.  I did 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar.

Heat over medium heat, just until sugar and water dissolves together.  It takes just a few minutes.  The easiest (and only) syrup I've ever made.

I then threw the whole bag of cranberries in, whereas Annie was much more careful.

With a slotted spoon, take the cranberries out.

Sorry for the blur.  If I don't turn on the flash I have to be a statue and not move an inch.

Let cranberries dry on a wire rack, over a trey with foil, so mess is less.  Now, go do something else for an hour so the newly-syruped cranberries can dry.

I hope you had a nice nap. After about an hour, put some granulated sugar in a bowl and roll those babies around to coat.

And that, my friends, is it!

They "POP" right in your mouth with a sweet and tart crunch.  I adore them!  Most of my kids love them :)  Beware:  They are fairly addictive.

And did you know, that cranberries outrank every other fruit and vegetable with their antioxidant count except for blueberries?  Since blueberries aren't in season, and cranberries are being sold for at least another month...it's time to get your cranberry on.

Remember, antioxidants help fight aging and cellular breakdown and since I can't stop eating these, I'm going to live forever.  You'll see.

Also, cranberries rank high in vitamin C and fiber and only have 45 calories/cup.

I've got plans for these babies, oh yes I do. I even put them on my pancakes yesterday.

Paired with pineapple, these sugared cranberries taste even sweeter.  With all the cookies and chocolate (yes, I've indulged heartily), this is a unique and yummy (and easy!) dish to bring to a party. 

Sprinkle with Bob's Organic Unsweetened Coconut for a festive New Year's look

Put on top of your Runner's Granola, and you are in business.

You might also like:

• Supergrain Waffles
• Pomegranate, Mango, and Mixed Green Salad
• Runner's Granola