RecipesApricot Dessert Bruschetta Years ago, my mother took a trip to Italy, and this recipe reminds her of the sun-kissed fruits from the orchards there. It’s a lovely apricot dessert that’s not overly sweet or heavy. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
RecipesGrilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches Rich and creamy pimiento cheese is a southern favorite. It makes this grilled pimiento cheese sandwich shine, especially when sweet hot pepper jelly is added. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
RecipesMacadamia-Coconut Candy Clusters These are super easy to make. They are ideal for bake sales, teacher gifts or candy platters. They are a nice change from milk or dark chocolate clusters. —Lori Bondurant, Paducah, Kentucky
RecipesPork Banh Mi Wraps Crunchy veggies and Asian flavors make this a great wrap for summer. You can substitute a baguette for the wrap, or switch up the meat for five-spice chicken or spicy beef. Even lemongrass shrimp would be delicious! —Nicole Hood, Leesville, Lousiana
RecipesZucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies I love using zucchini in the summertime. This recipe reminds me of a zucchini bread my aunt makes, but I wanted to make cookies for a family get-together because they would be easier to grab and eat. These taste better if you make them the day before. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York
RecipesSlim Curried Deviled Eggs When you’re in the mood for some good finger food, try any one of these sinfully delicious variations on deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
RecipesPina Colada Cake As an avid baker, I wanted to create something that was mine and from my heart. I wanted to make a cake that tasted like the perfect pina colada drink, and I feel like I accomplished just that with this recipe. —Stephanie McShan, Apopka, Florida
RecipesPineapple Shrimp Stir-Fry I came up with this recipe for a luau-themed party and served it with sliced papaya, mango and avocado. My family loved it! If you don’t care for coconut, sprinkle it with chopped macadamia nuts instead. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
RecipesSnappy Chicken Stir-Fry Don’t just reheat leftover chicken, stir-fry it up with some frozen veggies (the ones you have hiding in your freezer). In no time, you’ll have a great weeknight meal. We don’t call this recipe “snappy” for nothing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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
RecipesLemon Cranberry Muffins These mouthwatering muffins can be baked in less than half and hour. So I often rely on this recipe when time is tight.—Noelle Miles Griggs, Columbia, Illinois
RecipesMicrowave Egg Sandwich If you’re looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it’s only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
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.
RecipesWarm Goat Cheese in Marinara Every family has a recipe they pull out time and again when the gang gathers, and goat cheese warmed in a marinara sauce is one of those household favorites. Minced basil and cracked black pepper give it that fresh and alive finish. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
RecipesAloha Cupcakes A friend asked me to make a coconut and pineapple cupcake for a gathering she was hosting. Everyone agreed that this beauty took them to the tropics. The macadamia nuts are completely optional (the friend happens to be allergic), and the cupcakes are still fantastic without them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta