My family often requests this satisfying soup. I've served it to guests for lunch and as a cold-weather Sunday supper. It's really good with a tossed green salad and a crusty loaf of bread. -Stella Garrett,...
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. -Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
Thick chicken breasts can be hard to get just right; often you're left with a too-dry, too-bland dinner. But this high-heat roasting method results in crisp, crackly skin that gives way to moist flesh,...
A Monte Cristo sandwich never fails to please. This recipe comes together quickly with deli meats, packaged sliced cheese and bottled salad dressing. -Debbie Brunssen, Randolph, Nebraska
Here's a sandwich that does traditional burgers one better-with a surprise pocket of cheddar! My family really enjoys the melted cheese center. -Says Janet Wood, Windham, New Hampshire
Whenever Mom made this salad, it was the first thing on my plate. With spinach, apples, raisins and a light dressing, this beautiful harvest salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. -Darlis...
Reports Karen Gardiner, a Eutaw, Alabama field editor, "This recipe was given to me by a friend who got it from another friend. The day after I served it, someone called for the recipe, too!"
This recipe has become such a reliable standby for me that it's expected and welcomes by my friends. This dish can be served chilled for a salad or warm for a side dish. Either way it's always a hit. This...
A local fast-food pita restaurant inspired me to make my own Greek-style sandwiches at home. Add olives if you like. -Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Brighten a picnic lunch or backyard barbecue with this cheerful, fresh-tasting salad. If you use want to use sweet corn off the cob, saute the corn for 5 minutes in a skillet before adding to the salad....
I created this recipe on the spur of the moment for a friend who was coming to visit. I knew she enjoyed soup, so I decided to liven up my usual vegetable soup by adding oxtails. Little did I know, oxtails...
Guests and family alike praise this soup and always ask for seconds. The nicest thing about it is that any variation of dry beans can be used. - Arlene Hilman, Cawston, British Columbia
Whenever I attend a potluck or family gathering, I'm asked to make this salad, which has been a family secret for over 50 years. My husband likes it as a main dish, served with garlic bread. -Barbara Robbins...
This yummy fruit salad was a favorite of my great-grandmother's. My family always enjoys it, and I'm happy knowing it's good for them, too. -Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
My mother-in-law created this recipe in the early 1950s. Our family likes these classic sloppy joes best served with pickles and potato chips.-Sharon McKee, Denton, Texas
Cola is the secret ingredient in this delicious slow-cooked beef. Coated with a well-seasoned sauce, the tender meat gets its zip from chili powder and cayenne pepper. -Marie Basinger of Connellsville,...
Baked and served hot, this soothing side dish is made with a colorful blend of handy canned fruits. It's simple to prepare yet special enough to serve at an Easter buffet. -Elizabeth Hunter, Prosperity,...
Plump blueberries and a fluffy topping star in this pretty, refreshing salad. My mom's blueberry salad was served at every holiday and celebration. Now my grandchildren look forward to sampling it at holidays....
These hearty sandwiches are served with individual ramekins of well-seasoned beef au jus for dipping. This recipe is a favorite of ours when time is of essence. Guests always rave when I prepare it, too....
This creamy, delectable soup is even better the next day. It also works well with scallops or a flaky whitefish. Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for all or part of the milk to make this soup even...
My friend Cathy, who is of Greek heritage, prepared this simple romaine salad recipe for me. She served it with lamb chops and pitas-what a classic Mediterranean meal! -Michael Volpatt, San Francisco,...
I tinkered around with a family cole slaw recipe until I arrived at this sweet & tangy combination. The packaged shredded cabbage is a real time-saver, and the honey helps the dressing come together faster....
The combination of meats is the secret behind these beef and pork burgers. They're ideal for summer grilling, and everyone loves them. Plus, you can easily double or triple the recipe for large get-togethers....
I get rave reviews from family and friends whenever I make this soup, but the biggest compliment was when my son called to ask for the recipe so he could make it for his roommates. -Patti Bogetti, Magnolia,...
This creamy soup is fast, easy and very tasty. Corn really stars in this delectable recipe, and crabmeat makes it a little more special. It will get high marks from both busy cooks and lovers of flavorful...
My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is a wonderful way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes....
Gumbo goes back to 1700s Louisiana; today's version is just as hearty using andouille sausage. Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread. -Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
From Beloit, Wisconsin, Lisa Trunckenbrod sends this better-for-you version of an all-time lunch-counter classic. Loaded with popular pizza flavor, the cheese-topped burgers not only taste great, but they...
This is one of those recipes you always come back to. A flavorful tomato sauce and mildly spiced meatballs make a hearty sandwich filling, or they can be served over pasta. I broil the meatballs first...
This unusual slaw recipe from my mother combines all the ingredients, then stores in the freezer. Remember to thaw before serving. - Alice Campbell, Dickinson, North Dakota
Roasting soup bones in the oven first gives hearty beef flavor to this basic beef stock. In addition to soups, use the beefy broth to provide extra flavor in stews, gravies, sauces and vegetable dishes....
A bowl brimming with this fresh creamy tomato bisque is sure to impress Mom. With its outstanding flavor, she'll think you fussed for hours! -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
"This sweet and colorful fruit compote is perfect with an egg casserole at a holiday brunch. It can bake right alongside the eggs, so everything is conveniently done at the same time," notes Joyce Moynihan...