Cranberry

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

Michael McLaughlin, cookbook author, says "When I was much younger, the requisite Thanksgiving cranberry sauce always came out of a can and lay quivering on the plate, just waiting to be sliced and served. As I got older, I came to prefer the whole-berry-style sauce to the smooth. Then, once I began making my own cranberry sauces from scratch, I settled on a great-tasting compromise: This recipe features tangy bits of cranberry in a smooth jewel-toned mold."

Lime curd and tart cranberries are balanced by a layer of sweet white chocolate cream. For best results, use imported white chocolate, such as Lindt or Perugina. Begin preparing the tart two days before you plan to serve it.

This elegant no-bake cheesecake has a smooth, airy filling similar to a mousse. To make the graham cracker crumbs, blend graham cracker pieces in a food processor.

Make the salsa at least an hour (and as much as a day) before serving to allow the flavors to blend. This is also delicious with turkey. This recipe is an accompaniment for Spice-Rubbed Pork Tenderloins in Corn Husks with Cranberry-Avocado Salsa.

If you can't find kumquats, don't panic — the recipe works fine without them. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

Sweet potatoes make this moist; cranberries and walnuts add texture and color.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 1 hr

Looks pretty and tastes great. If you can find fresh raspberries at this time of year, layer them with the other fruits.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 2 hr

This recipe is perfect for Christmas Day breakfast since it can be completely assembled the night before and then baked in one batch in the oven.

New York cheesecake is dressed up for the holidays with bright cranberry topping, white chocolate in the filling and a hazelnut crust. The cake can be prepared up to two days ahead.

Make two trifles to serve 30 guests, or make one and round out the dessert table with fruitcake and goodies from the bakery.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"My profession as a real estate agent requires a lot of my time," writes Edi Meadows Morrissette of Westin, Florida, "so it helps that I am lightning-fast in the kitchen. I cook every day, and on the weekends I sometimes make three meals a day. I accomplish that by following my main cooking principles: (1) do a lot of prep work, and (2) keep the kitchen well stocked. For example, at holiday time I might chop onions in advance or bake bread the day before company arrives. And since I converted the bedroom next to my kitchen into a pantry for extra storage, I know I'll always have the right ingredients at my fingertips." The addition of fresh orange pieces is a lovely variation on the holiday condiment. Begin two hours or up to three days ahead.