Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix 1/2 cup sugar and cranberries and soak together overnight. Mix together flour, baking soda, salt and sugar. Add 1 beaten egg, buttermilk and shortening. Mix in cranberries. Grease muffin tins or use non stick muffin tins and spray with a non stick spray. Cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. For a short cut mix the dry ingredients the night before.