40 Recipes We Stole from Our Sisters

Creamy White Chili

I got the best white chicken chili recipe from my sister-in-law, who made a big batch and served a crowd one night. It was a hit. It’s easy and quick, which is helpful since I’m a college student. In all my years of 4-H cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. Maybe it’s the cream cheese! —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana

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Double Jack Mac

This spicy mac and cheese recipe came about when I asked my two sisters what they would like to add to mac and cheese to make it special. One said pepper jack cheese and the other said black beans. I liked both of the ideas and this is the result. The black beans add color and nutrition. The pepper jack cheese adds zip and fun. —Andrea Johnson, Freeport, Illinois

Saucy Ranch Pork and Potatoes

Awhile back, my sister Elyse shared a tasty ranch pork roast recipe. I tweaked it so I could use what was already in my pantry, and this dish was born. —Kendra Adamson, Layton, Utah

Blend of the Bayou

Blend of the bayou might be a regional dish, but the easy-to-find ingredients in this Louisiana casserole make it simple to prepare wherever you live.

Baklava Thumbprint Cookies

The topping on my sister-in-law's peach cobbler was so delicious that I asked for the recipe; then I decided to use that to top a cookie I developed with the flavors of baklava. My adult son tried one and immediately ate two more—which is unusual for him! It's a good recipe to mix up the night before and bake fresh the next day for company. —Sharon Eshelman, Harrington, Delaware

French Canadian Tourtieres

This recipe comes from my big sister. Each fall, we get together and make about 20 of these pies to use at Christmas, give as gifts or freeze for unexpected company. —Pat Menee, Carberry, Manitoba

Apple-Cheddar Pancakes with Bacon

After tasting a scrumptious grilled apple and cheese sandwich, I decided to try the same flavors with pancakes. The idea of adding bacon came from my bacon-fanatic sister. —Kim Korver, Orange City, Iowa

Nicole's Slow-Cooker Broccoli

My sister is a huge inspiration to me and an amazing force behind who I have become. This is one of her favorite dishes. It’s a tasty side. Typically, little to none of it is ever left over! —Toni Ann Moschello, Manahawkin, New Jersey

Easy Slow-Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja

When discussing various methods of cooking ropas, a friend of mine told me her sister adds apple juice. I thought a Granny Smith apple might give the dish an extra kick—and it does. The ropas may also be served with hominy or tortillas, but I think the plantains add a special touch. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

White Bean Chicken Chili

My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms

I first tried these bubbly treats at my sister-in-law's house. The tender mushroom caps and creamy filling were so fabulous that I had to get the recipe. It's hard to believe how simple, fast and easy they are. —Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri

Upside-Down Meat Pie

This recipe, which my sister gave me more than 30 years ago, is perfect whenever friends drop by. It mixes up in a jiffy, yet it's substantial and satisfying. —Cora Dowling, Toledo, Ohio

Dilly Beef Sandwiches

My younger sister shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional barbecue sandwich and is a proven crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make in the slow cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin

Neapolitan Cookies

My sister shared the recipe for these tricolor treats several years ago. The crisp cookies are fun to eat one section at a time or with all three in one bite. —Jan Mallo, White Pigeon, Michigan

Herbed Grilled Corn on the Cob

I'd never had grilled corn until last summer when my sister-in-law served it for us. What a treat! So simple, yet delicious, grilled corn is now a must on my summer menu. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

Apple Pear Cake

When my sister Catherine made her apple cake for me, I knew I needed the recipe. For my version, I added some pears from the trees on our acreage. The resulting apple-pear cake is so moist and tastes so good. Now every time I make it, people want my recipe. —Mary Ann Lees, Centreville, Alabama

Fresh Corn & Avocado Dip

I alter my sister's recipe by adding a finely chopped jalapeno pepper for a little heat. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario

Black Walnut Layer Cake

My sister gave me the recipe for this beautiful cake years ago. The thin layer of frosting spread on the outside gives it a chic modern look. —Lynn Glaze, Warren, Ohio

Berries in Champagne Jelly

My sister gave me this recipe a few years back when I was looking for an elegant fruit dish to serve guests. I sometimes serve this party-pretty fruit treat at brunch—just before the main dish. It’s also sparkly and special enough to double as a light dessert. —Andrea Barnhoom, Scottsville, New York

Slow-Cooked Vegetables

I like to simmer this satisfying side dish in my Crock-Pot. Vegetables, especially the garden-fresh kind, are my favorite to use for potlucks. My sister-in-law shared the recipe with me. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa

Delicious Potato Doughnuts

I first tried these tasty treats at my sister's house and thought they were the best I'd ever had. They're easy to make, and the fudge frosting tops them off well. When I make them for friends, the recipe is always requested. —Pat Davis, Beulah, Michigan

Beef Burgundy Over Noodles

I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa

Raisin Bread Pudding

My sister gave me the recipe for this delicious bread pudding that's dotted with raisins. It's a big hit with everyone who tries it. A homemade vanilla sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop and is drizzled over warm servings of this old-fashioned, tasty treat. —Sherry Niese, McComb, Ohio

Chicken with Creamy Jalapeno Sauce

My sister Amy came up with this recipe that makes standard chicken breasts a lot more exciting. My husband and I just love the wonderful sauce. —Molly Cappone, Lewis Center, Ohio

Roasted Red Potato Salad

I got this roasted potato salad recipe from my sister-in-law and I've made it numerous times at the request of friends and co-workers. It's quick and easy, which is just what I need in my busy life. I learned how to cook from the two best cooks I know—my mom, Arline, and my Grandma Etta. —Ginger Cusano, Sandusky, Ohio

Pear Tart

This lovely pear tart features warm fall spices and delicious fruit, plus a lightly sweetened cream cheese filling and a nutty, buttery crust.

Italian Steak Sandwiches

My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts

Cranberry Nut Swirls

This recipe originated with my sister-in-law. It gets used a lot over the holidays when we want to pull a fast one on the guys in our family. They claim they don't like cranberries in any shape or form, but everyone enjoys these. —Carla Hodenfield, Ray, North Dakota

Wild Rice Stuffing

This wild rice stuffing has a nutty, earthy flavor and a pleasant chewy texture. It pairs beautifully with a plate of Thanksgiving turkey and gravy.

Finnish Pinwheels

When my sister was hosting an exchange student from Finland, she served these cookies I'd made to her guest. The young lady instantly recognized what they were. So I know they're still being made in our ancestors' country. —Ilona Barron, Ontonagon, Michigan

Slow-Cooked Greek Chicken Dinner

I got this recipe from my sister and my family really likes it a lot. It makes the house smell so good! The amount of garlic might seem high, but it's just right. You get every bit of the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. —Terri Christensen, Montague, Michigan

Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme

With only five ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, creamy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow creme is one of the easiest treats. It makes a great food gift, too!

Sheepherder’s Breakfast

My sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it's a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon

Mild Salsa Recipe for Canning

This mild salsa recipe for canning helps keep summer goodness stocked in the pantry year-round.

Chocolate Raspberry Pie

After tasting this pie at my sister-in-law's house, I had to get the recipe. A dreamy cream cheese filling separates the tangy raspberry layer from the chocolate topping. Garnish with fresh berries for an extra-special presentation. —Ruth Bartel, Morris, Manitoba

Wild Rice Soup

This wild rice soup is delicious and versatile, so you can easily make it, and then make it your own. Experiment with different proteins, extra vegetables and your favorite herbs.

Apple Chicken Quesadillas

My sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle of Maysville, Missouri

Bacon ‘n’ Egg Lasagna

My sister-in-law served this special dish for Easter breakfast one year, and our whole family loved the mix of bacon, eggs, noodles and cheese. Now I sometimes assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a terrific hassle-free brunch entree. —Dianne Meyer, Graniteville, Vermont

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Juicy root beer pulled pork sandwiches couldn't be easier to make. A few hours in the slow cooker with a can of soda transforms a pork shoulder into savory shreds, ready for a toss with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Amish Sugar Cookies

The Amish seem to be master bakers, and they did not skimp on Amish sugar cookies.