Susan Stamberg's Cranberry Relish Tradition

In her 1796 cookbook, American Cookery, Amelia Simmons recommends serving turkey or other fowl "with boiled onions and cranberry-sauce, mangoes, pickles or celery." Not long after, (give or take 180+ years), Susan Stamberg began sharing her mother in law's cranberry relish recipe on NPR. Library of Congress hide caption

Mama Stamberg's cranberry relish recipe. Ariel Zambelich/Ariel Zambelich hide caption

In these polarizing times, we've decided to lean into the most controversial ingredient in Mama Stamberg's cranberry relish: the two tablespoons of horseradish. Tom Kelley/Getty Images hide caption

A worker stirs Ocean Spray cranberries in a bog set up in front of Rockefeller Center in October 2008. For decades, Susan Stamberg has managed to sneak her family's controversial cranberry relish recipe onto the air. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Mama Stamberg's cranberry relish recipe. Ariel Zambelich & Emily Bogle/NPR hide caption

It's great when generations get together to pass down family traditions, especially if the little ones might need a little extra time to get on board. Raquel Zaldivar/NPR hide caption

It's tradition: Every year, Susan Stamberg sneaks her mother-in-law's cranberry relish recipe onto the air. To be honest, we've given her a hard time about it, and now she's seeking redemption. Ariel Zambelich/NPR hide caption

Mama Stamberg's cranberry relish. Ariel Zambelich & Emily Bogle/NPR hide caption

A tub of Susan Stamberg's mother-in-law's famous cranberry relish made by Beth Hansen of Easton, Md. Jackie Judd/NPR hide caption

Thanksgiving At The White House: First families have a lot to be thankful for — including the world-class chefs who make their food. Susan Stamberg shares her mother-in-law's cranberry relish recipe with two veteran presidential chefs. They say it reminds them of the infamous "cheddar cheese ring" from the Carter administration. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP hide caption

Coolio is the author of Cookin' With Coolio: 5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price, and host of his own online cooking show. hide caption