Cranberry Kir Royale

• 2 cups frozen cranberries, plus 1/2 cup for garnish
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 bottle Champagne

1. Add cranberries, orange juice, zest and sugar to a large pan and set over medium heat until berries break-down slightly and liquid is syrupy, 12 to 15 minutes.
2. *Pour into a blender and process, be careful of the hot liquid expanding when you blend - use a towel over the top of the blender.
3. Strain and discard any solids then set aside and cool.
4. Pour 2 tablespoons of cranberry-orange syrup into the bottoms of 4 chilled champagne glasses.
5. Add a few cranberries to each glass and gently top off each glass with Champagne.
6. *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes.
7. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway.
8. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid.
9. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions.
10. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, champagne

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/cranberry-kir-royale-recipe.html (may not work)