Step 1

Prick apples in a few spots with a skewer. Bring vinegar, sugars, water, salt, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, cloves, bay leaf, and peppercorns to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 2

Add apples, and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until a paring knife inserted in center of an apple meets slight resistance, about 8 minutes. Stir in cranberries, transfer to a bowl, and let cool. Cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or up to 1 month). Serve pickled apples cold or at room temperature.