RecipesCurried Apple Soup Harvest-fresh soup is a perfect salute to the riches of Indian summer. Sweet apples, spicy curry and tangy lemon strike a delicious balance. —Xavier Pennell, Mauldin, South Carolina
RecipesConfetti Cornbread My grandmother Virginia always served Southwest cornbread. To honor her, I created a recipe that cuts down on the chopping but never skimps on flavor. —Angie Price, Bradford, Tennessee
RecipesCherry-Pecan Icebox Cookies During the holiday season, I keep a roll of dough for these crisp cookies in the freezer. It’s nice to offer unexpected company a home-baked treat. —Betye Dalton, Tupelo, Oklahoma
RecipesMaple Cranberry Chicken With just four ingredients, these moist and flavorful chicken breasts are a cinch to prepare. The tart cranberry sauce contrasts nicely with the sweet maple syrup. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
RecipesBanana Cupcakes with Ganache Frosting Using extra-ripe bananas in this recipe ensures the cupcakes will be sweet and moist. The ganache frosting is made even fluffier with the addition of marshmallow creme. —Stephanie Lelo, Grand Rapids, Michigan
RecipesSpaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing THIS salad is surprisingly flavorful and light, a refreshing change from a mayonnaise-based dressing. There is a nice contrast of textures and it’s very easy to make. It can be adjusted to the number of people served.
RecipesSwiss Tuna Melts We like Swiss tuna melts served with homemade vegetable soup. You’ll love the crunch that celery gives to the creamy tuna filling.—Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
RecipesShrimp Tostadas with Avocado Salsa Try this quick and easy entree for a fun, different southwestern meal idea. A splash of lime in the black beans balances the rich avocado salsa and shrimp. —Karen Gulkin, Greeley, Colorado
RecipesCrispy Orange Roughy When you’re looking for a main course on the lighter side, try this flavorful dish. The crunchy topping nicely complements the tender fish. —Nancy Florian, St. Johnsville, New York
RecipesCreamy Chipotle Pasta with Sausage After one taste of this rich, spicy sauce, it’ll be on your short list for those nights when you need a quick belly warmer. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
RecipesCranberry-Kissed Chocolate Silk I combined fresh cranberry salad with the rich custard known as pots de crème, and the result is ever so elegant compared to the usual desserts. —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
RecipesOpen-Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches Arugula brings the zing in this recipe for eight “half” sandwiches. I serve four people because most who taste them want another. — Mary Price, Youngstown, Ohio
RecipesHoneydew Granita Make this refreshing summer treat when melons are ripe and flavorful. I like to garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a small slice of honeydew. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
RecipesChunky Pecan Bars Hazel Baldner of Austin, Minnesota says most folds can’t eat just one of these rich gooey bars. “They taste just like chocolate pecan pie,” she notes.
RecipesChicken Satay Wraps Rotisserie chicken or refrigerated grilled chicken strips can be used to speed up the recipe preparation. Whole wheat tortillas are a nice change of pace from traditional flour tortillas.
RecipesHam Steak with Potatoes and Onions The browned potato and onion mixture is a nice complement to ham in this country-style dinner. This recipe has made the rounds in my family for a number of years. —Maynard Robinson, Cleveland, Minnesota