by Jennifer Trainer Thompson

Mention cranberries and most people think of holiday feasts and the glistening, garnet-colored sauce served (often jiggling) among the many traditional culinary trimmings. But cranberries are such a delectable, versatile ingredient; they shouldn't be relegated to the fall harvest. Cranberries can create a startling counterpoint to other flavors, such as in Braised Lamb Shanks with Sweet Garlic and Cranberry Jus; or take center stage, such as in Cranberry-Pear Crumble; or make terrific gifts, such as Cranberry-Blueberry Jam. In VERY CRANBERRY, you'll find 40-plus recipes using fresh as well as dried cranberries to inspire year-round enjoyment of this phenomenal fruit.