Cranberry

From the Williamsburg Inn's Regency Room.

Baked yams and steamed spinach make colorful accompaniments. Ice cream alongside hot apple turnovers tops off the meal.

In this recipe there will be extra mousse and pecan crisps (the recipes will not work if reduced). Both elements are delicious on their own.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 9 1/2 hr (includes cooling and chilling)

Cardamom pods can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom can be substituted.

White and red wines go equally well with pork. A lightly oaked Chardonnay and a fruity Merlot would be nice.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 4 hr

The dried figs add a chewy sweetness to this delicious sauce.

So good — and no cooking required. Prepare the relish at least a day ahead, and add more cardamom before serving if you'd like a stronger flavor.

What to drink: Offer robust French roast coffee, but also a vintage or ruby Port.

Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a nice addition to this delicious dessert.

Pastel de tres leches is a traditional Nicaraguan Celebration Cake usually reserved for the holiday season. In this recipe we preserve the traditional presentation, and add some typical American holiday flavors. The cake is composed of four components: Sponge Cake, Rum Milk Syrup, Meringue, and Cranberry Compote.

Dried cherries and fresh cranberries pair beautifully. Cloves are a festive touch.

Cranberries make a traditional breakfast spread festive and seasonal.

Surprise — a bit of ketchup helps the sweet and tart flavors blend. Make this up to three days ahead.

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