RecipesCrisp Lemon Cookies These light, citrus cookies are a nice change of pace from typical Christmas cookies. Melted vanilla chips drizzled over the top is the fantastic finishing touch. —Darlene Dixon, Hanover, Minnesota
RecipesCarrot Blueberry Cupcakes Carrots, blueberries, pineapple and zucchini make an interesting and delicious combination in these unique little treats.—Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
RecipesPeach, Green Chile and Cheddar Pie After tasting a fantastic green chile apple pie in a local restaurant, I knew I would have to try it with peaches. The result was fantastic! The combination of flavors in this unusual pie tells you what every New Mexican knows: Green chile goes well with everything! —Rd Stendel-Freels, Albuquerque, New Mexico
RecipesButterscotch Sauce Wonderful homemade goodness and true butterscotch flavor make this sweet rich sauce a well-enjoyed gift. We like it over ice cream or slices of pound cake. It reheats well in the microwave.
RecipesEasy Lemon Curd This recipe was my great-grandmother’s, but she never measured anything. Fortunately, Mom watched her over the years and finally came up with the measurements.
RecipesPerfect Plum & Peach Pie I created this recipe for in-season summer fruit. The plums give the pie a splash of color as well as flavor, and the crumb topping is both easy and excellent! —Rachel Johnson, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
RecipesPlum & Hazelnut Pie My mom taught me about Italian prune plums and pie. Sprinkling the crust with ground hazelnuts gives it a luscious flavor and also keeps it from getting soggy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
RecipesAnise & Wine Cookies My grandmother did not speak English very well, but she knew the language of great food. These wine cookies are crisp and best eaten after being dunked in even more wine.—Julia Meyers, Scottsdale, Arizona
RecipesBest-Ever Sweet Potato Pie My grandmother handed down this recipe and it’s amazing! The flavor, with a hint of maple and great spices, totally lives up to its name. —Erin Gibbons, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
RecipesPeanut Butter Cupcakes Peanut butter lovers can double their pleasure with these treats. I use the popular ingredient in the cupcakes as well as in the creamy homemade frosting. —Ruth Hutson, Westfield, Indiana
RecipesMandarin Orange Cake This mandarin orange cake perfectly blends light, fruity flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
RecipesLady Bug Chocolate Cupcakes Who wouldn’t smile when they see these fun little treats sitting on the kitchen table? They’re as much fun to make as they are to eat! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesApricot-Hazelnut Triangles These crispy cookie treats can be changed up—try different nuts and jams, and dark or white chocolate depending on the holiday. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
RecipesGingersnap Rum Apple Crisp My mother makes incredible apple crisp, and I’ve added a few twists of my own. We think it’s best warm, with ice cream on the side. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
RecipesButterfly Cake Emerging from a 13- x 9-inch pan, this bright idea comes from Sue Gronholz of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. “I pipe on some frosting, but you can simply decorate with purchased candies and cake trims if you prefer,” she notes.
RecipesAdams County Apple Cake Our part of Pennsylvania is known as “Apple Country”. This cake is one of my family’s favorites. It’s great for a lunch box treat.