1. Start by making the sugar syrup. Add the equal parts sugar and water to a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves and then boil for one minute. 
3. Remove the hot syrup from heat and let it cool down a bit, then add the bag of fresh cranberries (or frozen ones). You want to add the berries to warm syrup, not hot syrup.
4. Stir until they are all well coated and the cranberries are fully covered in syrup. 
5. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack placed over a sheet pan to catch any drips.
7. Allow the cranberries to dry for about an hour. They should be sticky but not wet.
8. After they have dried, place cranberries in a bowl and sprinkle generously with remaining sugar. Shake or stir them around to coat them evenly.
9. Spread them back out on the cooling rack in a single layer and let them dry for another 1-2 hours. 
10. Once the cranberries are completely dry, they are ready to serve. You can enjoy them as a snack, use them as a great garnish, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

1. On a serving plate spread out whipped cream cheese. 
2. Top with white chocolate chips and then place the sugared cranberries on top.
3. Serve with sugar cookies, vanilla wafers, graham crackers or apple slices.