12 crystallized ginger recipes

This relish is based on a prize-winning English recipe of more than a generation ago. It is less sweet than traditional chutneys; most of its sweetness comes not from sugar, but from apples, dates, and parsnips. I generally use Winesap apples but any well-flavored, crisp eating apple will do.

A no-bake chocolate-coated date log filled with walnuts, candied cherries, and crystallized ginger. Ground dates kneaded into a roll, coated in melted semisweet chocolate, and finished in chopped walnuts. Old-fashioned confection, no oven needed.

Baked pears in a buttery pineapple cream sauce with crystallized ginger and toasted almonds. An elegant warm fruit dessert with tropical, caramel-rich flavor.

Ginger-banana chutney simmers bananas, dates, raisins, onion, candied ginger, and cider vinegar into a jammy Indian-style relish. Pairs with curry, cold cuts, or grilled meats straight from the jar.

Hot curried fruit with poached pears, oranges, melon, and grapes in a warm spiced curry syrup topped with crystallized ginger. An elegant side dish for holiday entertaining.

Tofu pumpkin pie: vegan pumpkin pie made with silky firm tofu instead of eggs and dairy. Warming spices and crystallized ginger top for a dairy-free holiday dessert.

Holiday pork loin stuffed with brown rice, toasted almonds, orange, and crystallized ginger, glazed with cranberry-orange sauce. A festive Christmas centerpiece roast that slices into ruby-red rounds.

Roasted Cornish hens stuffed with brown rice, pineapple, currants, and macadamia nuts, basted in a sweet red pepper jelly glaze with crystallized ginger. A showpiece dinner for entertaining.

Southwestern avocado vichyssoise with roasted poblanos, tomatillos, mint, and ginger, blended creamy with potatoes and avocado. Served chilled with a smoky chipotle sour cream drizzle.

Gingered holiday chutney simmers Anjou pears, red and green bell peppers, lemon, lime and crystallized ginger in a brown sugar vinegar syrup. A sweet-tangy condiment for cheese boards, ham, turkey or roasted pork.

Old-school dark fruitcake soaked overnight in brandy and orange liqueur with figs, apricots, currants, walnuts, and pecans. Makes four loaves; ages beautifully.

Mai Mai sweet potato pie with coconut milk, maple syrup, orange juice, crystallized ginger, and walnuts in a coconut-maple crust. Topped with orange-scented whipped cream.