“I have always loved cranberries!” exclaims home cook Carol Junkins of Hanson, MA. Fondly referred to by us at Just A Pinch as “The Cranberry Queen”, Carol has shared many of her favorite cranberry recipes with the Club. Her concoctions range from sweet to savory, and every one is jam-packed with wonderful berry flavor.
Carol is a three-time Blue Ribbon award winner and, you guessed it, each of her winning recipes feature cranberries as the starring ingredient! “I grew up in New England,” explains Carol. “The town I live in was home to the first Ocean Spray factory. I have pictures of them harvesting them!”
A life-long love of cranberry is something Carol shares with two very special friends. Her Blue Ribbon Cranberry Cream Torte recipe tells the story. “I received this recipe from my best friend, [Judi], whom I have known since grammar school!” explains Carol. In fact, the recipe can be credited back to Judi’s mom, Marjorie Castle, who made the cranberry torte every year as a Thanksgiving treat. After hearing so much about it, Carol was thrilled to receive the recipe and anxious to share it with others on Just A Pinch. Now in her nineties, Marjorie’s refrigerator proudly displays the Blue Ribbon that Carol won on her behalf – a testament to a lasting recipe… and an enduring friendship.
Wisconsin home cook Mary Louise also knows a thing or two about delicious cranberries. She has her grandmother to thank for her favorite cranberry recipe, Ellie’s Cranberry Cake with Lemon Butter Sauce. “This is a very old recipe that belonged to my grandmother,” says Mary. The light cake is filled with bold flavor that really punctuates the ending of any good meal. “This cake has to be served with the lemon butter sauce or you can not fully enjoy it. It is easy to make and perfect to share with friends and a cup of coffee or tea.”
V. Seward of Hanford, CA is starting her own – no bake – cranberry tradition, Cranberry-Pineapple Salad! “My guests ask, ‘Is it a salad or dessert?’” laughs Ms. Seward. Her reply? “It’s definitely both!” Indeed, this creamy, fruity delight transcends definition. The recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple and whipped topping with the tartness of cranberries. Toss in a few salty walnuts, crunchy celery and a healthy amount of cream cheese and you have one decadent dessert salad to remember. “I like to experiment with salads,” explains the inventive cook. “[I was] craving something creamy, crunchy and packed with flavor, so I came up with this dreamy delight. It can be served right alongside anything from chicken, turkey, ham, roast – you name it.” We named it all right… a Blue Ribbon! This is one holiday tradition that we can’t wait to start this year as well.
We simply love the idea of including generational quality recipes like this at our holiday table. Cranberries may be a traditional Thanksgiving treat, but they truly can be made even more special when there’s a real story – and a real cook – behind them.
What is your favorite way to dress up cranberries for the holidays? We can’t wait to hear your ideas!