RecipesMushroom Barley Soup for Two This is part of my favorite meal, quick and easy to prepare and the perfect amount for two. The mushrooms, carrots and barley are a good combination for flavor and color. The recipe is easy to double (or triple!) if you want to make a larger batch. —Aimee Lawrence, Wimberley, Texas
RecipesParmesan Zucchini Leslie Kvidal writes from Pascagoula, Mississippi, “The only way my daughter would eat zucchini was in a cake, until I came up with this Italian-style recipe one day. She had to have seconds!”
RecipesMushroom Beef Tips with Rice Here’s a quick and simple version of the beef tips my husband loves. Even though the recipe calls for pre-made tips, the finished dish is tender and delicious. Think: savory, stroganoff flavor with only five ingredients! —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
RecipesGreen Tomatoes Parmesan Meet the Cook: If you follow the recipe directions, you should end up with firm tomatoes. It’s been a tried-and-true method for me. I started cooking as a teenager. My first meal was spaghetti, and it was so salty we couldn’t eat it! My husband and I are retired. We have two grown children and three grandchildren. -Clara Mifflin, Creal Springs, Illinois
RecipesAsparagus Bruschetta For a light bite, Elaine Sweet created these pretty appetizers. “I really like asparagus, so I’m always trying it in different things,” says the Dallas, Texas reader. “This is a delicious twist on traditional bruschetta.”
RecipesMascarpone-Mushroom Frittata Stack When I bring this delicious egg dish to the table, I always get oohs and aahs! It looks impressive but is quite easy to prepare.—Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
RecipesGlazed Salmon with Brussels Sprouts This meal goes on the table in under 30 minutes and proves that you can be fancy and fuss-free at the same time! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesTwo-Tone Potato Wedges Better than french fries, these tasty potatoes have just the right touch of garlic and Parmesan cheese. This is the only way my daughter will eat sweet potatoes, and she loves ’em!. —Marie Nicolau Schumacher, Larchmont, New York
RecipesBourbon Pumpkin Tart with Walnut Streusel Because my husband loves pumpkin pie, I’ve looked high and low for that “perfect” recipe. But as soon as he tasted this tart, he told me to stop searching, declaring this the best he’s ever tried! —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
RecipesPotato Salad with Sour Cream I’m a big fan of potato salad but don’t really care for heavy mayonnaise dressings. A sour cream dressing turns a classic recipe into a dish my family and I really enjoy.
RecipesHerb Garden Lasagnas I love the taste and texture of these homemade noodles and the beautiful lasagnas they make. A healthy dose of fresh herbs give this dish its unique flavor. — Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
RecipesPine Nut and Basil Guacamole Guacamole is typically a Mexican dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to make it with other global flavors. For an Italian-inspired basil guacamole recipe, top it off with toasted pine nuts and fresh herb ribbons. You can also substitute the traditional lime for lemon juice.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesPumpkin and Chicken Sausage Hash This can be served as a side or as the main dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like to serve it topped with poached or fried eggs for breakfast. —Valerie Donn, Williamsburg, Michigan
RecipesLemon-Parmesan Broiled Asparagus These special spears are packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing they’re tossed in before roasting. It’s a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Repak, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
RecipesPresto Mexican Peppers Traditional stuffed peppers get a southwestern twist! The filling also makes a delicious meat loaf that we even like cold as a sandwich with Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese, mayo and salsa.” — Traci K Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania