RecipesBaked Vidalia Onions Vidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites to whip up. Served alongside any of a variety of fish and meats, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavorful side dish. —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee
RecipesPumpkin Pie Pudding My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it’s especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota
RecipesMushroom Spinach Omelet “I lightened up this savory dish by using olive oil, one regular egg and three egg whites, explains Arlene Hammonds of Gray, Tennessee. “For a change of pace, I like to mix diced celery and parsley with different cheeses.”
RecipesPlantain Fritters These golden brown plantain fritters are a favorite in West Africa, where my aunt served as a missionary for 45 years. Make sure the plantains are very ripe. You can substitute bananas if you’d like. —Heather Ewald, Bothell, Washington
RecipesApple Cinnamon Cake This apple cinnamon cake is equally good for breakfast or dessert, so be sure to not eat all of it after dinner! Easy to make, it’s super moist on the inside and has a crispy, cinnamon-rich crunch on the outside. —Marideane Maxwell, Albany, Georgia
RecipesEasy Scalloped Potatoes We all loved my mom’s super-rich scalloped potatoes. I tweaked her recipe to keep all the flavor, but cut the fat. The cheese blend is the clincher. It’s all about experimenting. —Diane Bramlett, Manteca, California
RecipesMicrowave Classic Chili For several years I taught a microwave cooking class sponsored by a local department store. Class participants raced about this recipe the most and were amazed it takes less that 20 minutes to cook! – Joanna Johnson, Vestal, New York
RecipesFresh Fruit with Balsamic Vinaigrette “This colorful fruit platter always looks beautiful on our Christmas dinner table,” writes Mari Day of Suamico, Wisconsin. “The light dressing is a nice complement to the fun assortment of winter fruits—it really lets their natural goodness come through.”
RecipesBanana Split Salad This is a recipe handed down by my mom, and it’s now a hit at my house. Because it’s frozen, it can be made well in advance. I find that especially nice when I’m planning a party. —Shelly Korell, Bayard, Nebraska
RecipesJewel Nut Bars These colorful bars, with the eye-catching appeal of candied cherries and the crunchy goodness of mixed nuts, are certain to become a holiday favorite year after year. I get lots of compliments on the rich, chewy crust and the combination of sweet and salty flavors.
RecipesTurkey Tortilla Soup My wife created this recipe as a healthy way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s a nice alternative to the typical fare, and it’s so easy. Our family looks forward to this soup every year. —Matthew Szyndler, Maumee, Ohio.
RecipesGolden Greek Lemon Potatoes This recipe was inspired by a tiny Greek restaurant we used to go to during grad school. To make the potatoes extra delicious, use a high-quality olive oil and a nice kosher or sea salt. —Karol Chandler-Ezell, Nacogdoches, Texas
RecipesSweet Potato Crescents My family agrees that our Thanksgiving feast would not be complete without these light-as-air crescent rolls. They’re a nice accompaniment to any menu. Baking them always puts me in the holiday spirit. —Rebecca Bailey, Fairbury, Nebraska
RecipesHot Crab Dip I have a large family, work full time, and coach soccer and football, so I appreciate recipes that are easy to assemble. This rich, creamy dip is a fun appetizer to whip up for any gathering. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
RecipesChristmas Cheese Balls Christmas at our house just wouldn’t be complete without these rich cheese balls. Friends and family ask for them every year-and I can make three gifts from just one recipe. —Margie Cadwell, Eastman, Georgia
RecipesFried Walleye with Tartar Sauce I love to eat fish and I think this is a great way to make it. The coating adheres nicely and cooks to a lovely golden brown. With the homemade tartar sauce this meal is as good as when you eat out.—Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada