RecipesSpice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs For our must-have meal, we roast chicken using bone-in, skin-on thighs. This version without skin and bones has a zesty rub of turmeric, paprika and chili powder. —Bill Staley, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
RecipesTurtle Praline Tart This rich dessert is my own creation, and I’m very proud of it. It’s easy enough to make for everyday meals but special enough to serve guests or take to a potluck. —Kathy Specht, Clinton, Montana
RecipesCherry Pecan Dreams Packed with fruit, nuts and vanilla chips, these are always a treat. To vary the flavor, swap in dried cranberries or apricots for the cherries, and pistachios for the pecans. —Mary Ann Mariotti, Plainfield, Illinois
RecipesRocky Road Fudge We make rocky road-style fudge every Christmas, but why wait until the holidays for a recipe this good? —Ashley Berry, Montgomery Village, Maryland
RecipesPistachio and Date Ricotta Crostini My husband and I regularly have date night at home where we make a four-course meal. For appetizers, I like to keep things simple but dressed up. I’ve found that making a special appetizer helps transform the atmosphere into a fancy meal. We’ve grown to really cherish these long and luxurious evenings together in our living room. Fresh figs can be used instead of dates if that’s what you have on hand! —Kristin Bowers, Gilbert, Arizona
RecipesBaklava Cheesecake My unique baklava cheesecake makes a grand display for office parties and other special events. —Aryanna Gamble, New Orleans, Louisiana
RecipesTurkey Pecan Enchiladas I got this recipe from a friend, and I’ve often served it at church potlucks. There are never leftovers! It’s nice because it’s creamy, just a little spicy and unusual. —Cathy Huppe, Georgetown, Massachusetts
RecipesChocolate-Dipped Anise Biscotti Classic biscotti cookies take on a whole new level of deliciousness with help from licorice-laced aniseed. Wrap up these sweet treats for your friends and family to enjoy with a steaming cup of coffee. —Leslie Kelley, Klamath Falls, Oregon
RecipesPecan Chocolate Waffles If you like waffles and chocolate, this recipe is for you. These tender but crunchy waffles are great for breakfast, brunch or an after-dinner dessert. Instead of chocolate topping, top with berries and whipped cream or simply sprinkle with powdered sugar. —Agnes Golian, Garfield Heights, Ohio
RecipesPistachio Brownie Toffee Bars These coveted brownie bars are homey and chocolaty awesome. They’ve been a sought-after staple on Christmas cookie trays for years. —Troy Shaw, Warrenton, Oregon
RecipesChocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars I received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania
RecipesRamen Coleslaw My daughter gave me the recipe for this delightful salad. The sweet dressing nicely coats a crisp blend of broccoli slaw mix, onions, almonds and sunflower kernels. Crushed ramen noodles provide even more crunch. It’s a smash hit wherever I take it. —Dora Mae Clapsaddle, Kensington, Ohio
RecipesBanana Nut Muffins A scattering of chopped nuts adds crunch to these moist, taste-tempting treats. They’re the best banana nut muffins I’ve found. Bet you’ll agree. —Neva Starnes, Summerville, Georgia
RecipesStrawberry Spinach Salad Spinach salad looks best-dressed when it’s dotted with luscious red strawberries and toasted pecans. Finish it out with a sweet poppy seed dressing. —Erin Loughmiller, Ridgecrest, California
RecipesCandied Pecans I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas
RecipesNuts and Bolts When I was a child, we made buckets of this mix for our family and friends each Christmas. These days I fix it for just about any occasion. —TaNauna Bunch, Grand Centre, Alberta