RecipesRed Velvet Peppermint Thumbprints Red velvet cookies and cakes are so pretty, but I always wish they had a bigger flavor. I infused these thumbprints with a peppermint pop. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
RecipesOven-Roasted Tomatoes I love tomatoes, as they’re both healthy and versatile. You can use these roasted ones in sandwiches or omelets, or to top broiled chicken. —Julie Tilney (Gomez), Downey, California
RecipesHot Seafood Spread Bake this hot seafood spread in a hollowed-out pumpernickel or white round bread loaf. Serve it with bread cubes, pita bread or assorted raw veggies. —Linda Doll, St. Albert, Alberta
RecipesOld-Fashioned Cheesecake “For variety, I like to use fresh fruit- strawberries, kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, etc.- on top of this cheesecake,” says Marian Levin of Los Altos, California.
RecipesGlazed Lemon Tube Cake This easy lemon cake recipe is just the dessert to brighten up a gray winter day (or any day). Lemon zest provides a nice zing in every bite. A light glaze gives the tall, golden cake a delicate crust. —John Thompson, Vandalia, Illinois
RecipesBittersweet Chocolate Cheesecake I’m a great-grandmother, and my whole family enjoys this dessert. I received this recipe from my niece. It’s very chocolaty. —Amelia Gregory, Omemee, Ontario
RecipesCarrot Cake Shortbread I really love carrot cake and wanted to make a cookie that had the same flavors. These comforting cookies are just the ticket! Cinnamon, maple and vanilla make them perfect for the holidays. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
RecipesCaramel Fudge Cheesecake It’s hard to resist this chocolaty cheesecake with its fudgy crust, crunchy pecans and gooey layer of caramel. I combined several recipes to create this version that satisfies both the chocolate lovers and the cheesecake lovers in my family. —Brenda Ruse, Truro, Nova Scotia
RecipesLavender Honey Cheesecake I love the scent of lavender, and the edible flowers make this cheesecake one of the most spectacular I’ve tasted. You can use lavender honey in this recipe for extra flavor, but even without it, the lavender is very distinct. —Julie Palmer, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania
RecipesHoney Cinnamon Bars My Aunt Ellie gave us the recipe for these sweet bar cookies with cinnamon and walnuts. Drizzle with icing, and serve with coffee or tea. —Diane Myers, Star, Idaho
RecipesChocolate Cheesecake Pie Guests always go for this rich but simple pie. I like topping it with fresh raspberries or cherry pie filling. —Sandy Schwartz, Brooklyn, NY
Recipes9-Layer Greek Dip Instead of serving the same taco dip at every family event or potluck, try this light, cool and refreshing Greek dip. It looks and tastes healthy—and it is. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
RecipesChocolate-Cherry Brownie Cake My grandmother taught me the tricks to making this cake, and I’ve added my own special touches. The melted chocolate keeps the icing from being too dry and gives it a texture similar to chocolate ice cream. I have more requests for the icing than I do anything else! —Susan Hayes, Massapequa, New York
RecipesChocolate-Topped Strawberry Cheesecake Creamy and airy, this gorgeous dessert is the perfect special something for a summer dinner party. I love the mix of smooth strawberry cheesecake and crumbly chocolate crust—and how elegant it looks on the table. —Kathy Berger, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
RecipesChocolate-Covered Strawberries Cake “I made this cake for our Cub Scout cake auction and almost didn’t take it because it looked so good,” notes Carol McCartney of Danville, Ohio. ”It was one of our highest sellers!”
RecipesMushroom Turnovers “I love these tasty little turnovers hot or cold,” writes Joanne Migliozzi-Beers from Mesquite, Nevada. “They’re great for parties or for serving at home. I’m recently ‘transplanted’ from Pennsylvania – the nation’s top mushroom producer. A friend gave me this recipe while I was living there.”