Every year I inevitably buy too many bags of fresh cranberries in an effort to prepare for any potential Thanksgiving problems. I end up with way too many cranberries and nothing to do with them. But just because Thanksgiving is over doesn't mean we can't still appreciate that tart little berry, right? Fresh cranberries typically appear in grocery stores from October through December. That gives Read more

We're not one to veer too far away from turkey day traditions, but one Thanksgiving trend we're completely on board with this year is the concept of a lighter cranberry sauce. If the idea of jelly from a can or a heavy, thick cranberry sauce doesn't float your boat this year — or if you just want to bring a new cranberry perspective to the table! — consider opting for cranberry salsa Read more

This cranberry smoothie recipe was shared by FitSugar reader JuicyNoelle in our Healthy Recipe community group. The little cranberry, such an under appreciated fruit. For years cranberry juice has been thought to reduce or eliminate urinary tract infections, but more recent studies have also linked this tiny tart goodie with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits along with benefits in Read more

If the holiday season's left you stretched too thin, don't rule out making edible gifts; simply look for a recipe that'll take less energy and labor. Drop-and-bake cookies are one answer for the time-strapped. What could be more cheery and Christmassy than double-chocolate cranberry cookies? The large, chewy, baked goods take little time to make, and I've found the dough chills well for future Read more

It drives me nuts that fresh cranberries are only available in large bags. I often find myself up to the challenge of using any remaining fresh berries in a different application. I love them as a cocktail garnish, but Katie prefers to infuse them directly into vodka, and Lauren makes a tart mostarda. I've also heard that astringent berries do well when sugared or covered in chocolate. What do Read more

If you've never made your own flavored vodka, I highly recommend you do it this holiday season. The method is simple: you combine vodka with fruit, herbs, or seasonings and let it infuse for about a week. Then you strain the mixture, and the liquid you are left with is homemade flavored vodka. My favorite kind to make is cranberry vodka. The cranberries turn the vodka the most brilliant shade of Read more

Want to make sure your cranberry sauce is perfect? Here's what you need to remember: the jelly needs to be cooked down with enough sugar and have sufficient time to set and chill. Boil the cranberries for at least 10 minutes — this will allow the berries to release the fruit's pectin. For maximum firmness, include the full amount of sugar in a recipe; it helps the sauce set. (You can use less Read more

While it's often overlooked on the human table for Thanksgiving, this fruit is actually a safe snack for pets year-round! A few cranberries can be added to a pooch's normal meal for variation or even dried cranberries, too (provided there's no sugar added) if you're cooking up a homemade sauce this Thursday. Cranberries help with urinary tract infections, even for dogs, and they're also sold in Read more

Cranberries are a staple for this time of year, but I always like to try something different from the traditional cranberry sauce. My suggestion? Skip serving them in a bowl and use them in a stellar mostarda-topped crostini appetizer. Mostarda is a traditional Italian condiment that combines sweet cooked fruit with a savory mustard sauce; it's often served with meat, which would make it perfect Read more

Cranberry sauce: it deserves the title of most overlooked Thanksgiving side. After all, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy are some seriously stiff competition. To make this year your most memorable turkey day ever, be sure to single out your side of cranberry. Eschew your canned crimson collection, and you've got several directions in which to take the tart condiment: Add extra dimension with Read more