Cranberry Tree Recipe - How to make a cranberry tree decoration

This cranberry tree will make a lovely addition to your fall and winter holiday decorations. If you use the freshest cranberries, your cranberry tree will last up to two weeks or even longer. Stud it with whole cloves, and you also have an aromatic air freshener. This is a fun project for older children. Read through the instructions to catch the tips and hints before you begin.

You will need:
• 1 to 2 pounds of fresh cranberries (frozen will not work)
• 1/4 cup (about) whole cloves
• Styrofoam cone (green cones recommended)
• 50 (about) round toothpicks, broken in half

Optional Sparkle Glaze:
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 cup (about) granulated white sugar

Instructions:
Begin placing cranberries next to each other about 1/4-inch from the base of the cone.

Push the sharp end of the half-toothpick about half way into the stem end of the cranberry. Reverse the toothpick so that the broken thick end goes into the hole you just made. Then push the sharp end into the styrofoam cone. Place the first cranberry in the second row in between two cranberries in the first row to facilitate full coverage of the cone.

Continue placing cranberries around the cone, ending with one large one at the top.

Using whole cloves, push the stem end in between the junctions of the cranberries into the styrofoam to fill in any blank spots.

Optional Sparkle Glaze:
Whisk egg white until frothy. Use a pastry brush to put a light glaze of egg-wash over the tips of the cranberries. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the cranberry tree while egg-wash is still wet. Let dry.

Tips and Hints:
• Be sure to use round toothpicks, not the flat ones. The flat toothpicks are not sturdy enough.
• Use larger cranberries at the base and smaller ones at the top.
• Cranberries vary in color. You can stagger them in random color patterns or place them from dark at the base up to light at the top for a designer touch.
• Use the leftover cranberries in your favorite recipe or freeze to cook later.