Cranberry

Raisins or dried cranberries could easily stand in for the dried tart cherries.

Chinese five-spice powder, cardamom and pears give an intriguing flavor.

"The Indians and English use them much," wrote one visitor to New England in 1663, "boyling them with Sugar for Sauce to eat with their Meat, and it is a delicate Sauce." Although there is little evidence that cranberry sauce was served at the first Thanksgiving, it is assumed that Indians brought it to the feast. This tangy version gets its intense flavor and color from a mixture of fresh and dried cranberries, along with frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate.

Crunchy candy-coated cranberries make festive garnish for this inventive dessert. Begin preparing the custards a day before serving.

This refreshing seasonal sorbet is a wonderful mid-meal palate cleanser.

A traditional French cake, the financier is usually made from ground almonds blended with butter and egg whites. Individual rectangular financiers are popular in France's pastry shop.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The bûche de Noël, or Christmas log, was created in the late nineteenth century by Parisian pastry chefs, who were inspired by the real logs that burned on hearths throughout the night on Christmas Eve. Our version can be decorated with Candied Cranberries or fresh currants.

Cranberries are a standard Thanksgiving ingredient that most people think came from the New England area. But the Ojibwa and Sioux of the northern plains taught early settlers how to harvest cranberries. Today, Wisconsin is an important cranberry-producing state.

Many dessert menus include a colorful sorbet plate-light and refreshing after a rich meal. Offer elegant cookies alongside. For the pink grapefruit sorbet recipe, we prefer Essencia, a dessert wine with the unique flavor of orange muscat grapes. It's made by Quady Vineyards in central California. If you cannot find it, use a Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling.

Molasses adds richness to this cake. It has a down-home style that's just right for a more casual turkey dinner.