November 21 is National Cranberry Day. Cranberries have grown in popularity in recent years, both in food and beverage. Legend has it that cranberries were served at the first Thanksgiving by the Native Americans. The cranberry experts at Ocean Spray also explain that cranberries grow on low-running vines in sandy bogs or marshes. Some bogs are more than 100 years old and still produce the fruit.

Bounceberries Rule

Foodimentary, an extensive online resource for food holidays, shares a little history on the red gem. They’re also called bounceberries because of the bounce they have when ripe. Native Americans and Pilgrims used cranberries as red dye, and they’re one of only a handful of major fruits native to North America.

As for us at Food Channel, here are a few of our favorite recipes featuring cranberries.

Cranberry Walnut Scones

90 Seconds in the Kitchen Cranberry Scone Video Capture. Video: Lance Mellenbruch.

Hot-from-the-oven scones, flavored with moist tangy-sweet bits of dried cranberries and toasted walnuts. Accented with a hint of orange to create a delicious breakfast or brunch pastry or afternoon snack served with coffee or tea. Recipe here.

Cranberry Crostini

Cranberry Crostini. Photo: David Nehmer/The Food Channel.

Here’s a different way to enjoy the seasonal flavor of fresh cranberries! Recipe here.

Cranberry Peanut Butter Dip

Cranberry Peanut Butter Dip. Photo: David Nehmer/The Food Channel.

This Cranberry Peanut Butter Dip is the perfect solution to keeping kids occupied and in one place while you handle the final kitchen details. Adults will be dipping in, too! Recipe here.

Fresh Butternut Salad with Cranberry Citrus Vinaigrette 

Fresh Butternut Salad with Cranberry Citrus Vinaigrette. Photo: Jim Bailey.

From Food Channel Guest Chef Jim Bailey, this is one of those “salads” that tastes and satisfies perfectly as a hearty side dish. Wonderful flavor, filling without guilt and perfectly suited for all times of the year! Recipe here.

Chicken Pecan Cranberry Salad

Chicken Cranberry Pecan Salad. Photo: Holly Clegg.

Holly Clegg, Food Channel Guest Chef offers this sumptuous, diabetic-friendly Chicken Cranberry Pecan Salad recipe. It combines fresh apples, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans, with a light coating, into one amazing side dish, appetizer or a healthy dessert! Recipe here.

Would we leave you high and dry without a delicious cranberry dessert? Of course not!

Cranberry Jam Cake

Cranberry Jam Stack Cake. Photo: David Nehmer/The Food Channel.

An old-fashioned jam cake is a delicious way to keep things simple, with easy instructions and simple ingredients, not to mention the joy of simply eating cake! Recipe here.

Happy National Cranberry Day from The Food Channel.