As the holiday season approaches, everywhere we turn to an all too familiar image: a plump turkey, beautifully roasted, adorned with a handful of bright red cranberries meticulously scattered for that perfect, festive touch.
Cranberries have long been regarded as the “garnish of choice” for holiday feasts, adding a burst of color and a hint of tartness to our plates. However, these little red gems are incredibly versatile and can do so much more than just dress up your dishes.
We’ve compiled a few recipes that move cranberries from the fringes to the forefront of your seasonal recipes and satisfy all of your holiday cravings.
Cranberry Country Cake
This versatile cake recipe is one to keep in your arsenal. It works well with just about any seasonal fruit, is light and is definitely a crowd pleaser.
Recipe from Edible Southeastern Massachusetts
Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
Tart cranberries and notes of orange feature prominently in this elegant seasonal cake worthy of your winter table, holiday feast or humble afternoon tea.
Recipe from Edible Vancouver Island
Cranberry Giddy-Up Syrup
From sparkling cocktails and mocktails to gin and tonics to cosmos, this ruby-colored syrup will get everyone off to the races with holiday cheer.
Recipe from Edible Rhody
Oysters on the Half Shell with Cranberry Sumac Granita
The contrasting textures and temperatures make granita one of raw oysters’ most compelling condiments. Turn to cranberries and sumac for tartness and acidity.
Recipe from Edible Boston
Wild Rice & Cranberry Salad
The bright shiny red of the cranberries in this salad works with the bright green of the scallions to make a pretty perfect dish for a Christmas table.
Apple-Cranberry Torte
This delectable dessert can be frozen and saved until just the right festive moment to serve. When ready, defrost and warm in the oven. Before serving, melt the jelly, and with a pastry brush, glaze the cake.
Recipe from Edible Capital District
Olive & Cranberry Kale Salad
This salad benefits from over-mixing. Add the salad dressing ingredients directly to the kale and mix thoroughly to tenderize it. The salad keeps beautifully for a full day in the fridge.
Recipe from Edible Seattle
Cranberry Mulled Wine
Mulled wine makes the house smell amazing for hours, and there’s a cozy-at-home vibe that can’t be beat. Plus, it takes very little effort. Garnish with orange slices, cranberries and a cinnamon stick.
Recipe from Edible LA
Candied Cranberries
If you’d like to make this ahead of time, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Recipe from Edible Cape Cod
Gluten-Free Cranberry & Ginger Scones
Not concerned about gluten? This recipe also gives instructions for how to make these scones with a full dose of it.
Recipe from Edible Berkshires
