CRANBERRY GARNISH FOR DRINKS RECIPES

Steps:

• Tip the sugar and 150ml water into a saucepan set over a low heat and heat until all the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat to medium-low and add the cranberries. Cook, stirring occasionally for 15 mins or until the cranberries have started to break down. Leave to cool, then blitz to a smooth purée using a hand blender, if you like (you can also leave it as is). Will keep in a sterilised sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.
• To serve, spoon 1 tbsp of the cranberry purée into each glass, stir in a single or double measure of the gin and top up with the soda water. Garnish each glass with an orange slice and add a few ice cubes. Alternatively, mix everything together in a jug and serve.

Steps:

• Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 24-well mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the brie in the freezer for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. 
• On a well floured surface, roll the sheet of puff pastry into a 10x15-inch rectangle. Cut the pastry into 4 strips lengthwise. Then, cut the pastry crosswise into 6 strips, creating 24 squares. Press the pastry squares into each well of the muffin pan, letting the excess stick up over the edges. 
• Cut the firm brie into 24 (½-inch) slices. Place a piece in the center of each pastry square. Top each with about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios. 
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown on the edges and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove the bites from the pan and garnish with sea salt and pepper, if desired.