Everything Thanksgiving: Get all our Thanksgiving recipes, how-tos and more !

Cranberry sauce is definitely not the star at the Thanksgiving table , but it is an essential side . It provides a taste of sweetness on a plate overflowing with savory flavors. Its complementary taste is essential to making everything else at the feast shine. We know some folks think opening up a can on the big day is just as good as making homemade sauce, but we have to disagree. And we have recipes to support our stance.

Not only does making your own cranberry sauce mean you can get creative with flavors think cabernet blueberry and chipotle white ale but its also a way to honor one of the few fruits that are native to North America. Also, everything just tastes better when its homemade.