RecipesLemon-Basil Carrots THIS IS one of my favorite ways to prepare carrots—simple but flavorful. I devised this recipe since we always seem to have carrots on hand, and the dish has drawn quite a few compliments. Sometimes I’ll make extra and add them to my “soup jar” in the freezer—they make a great addition to a batch of homemade soup! —Donna Smith Palisade, Colorado
RecipesGround Beef and Egg Noodle Casserole “My husband loves this all-in-one casserole,” reports Linda Heller of Allison, Iowa.”We think it’s even better the next day, although we rarely have any left over,” she notes. At 70¢ a serving, it’s inexpensive and family-pleasing.
RecipesSteak and Fries Salad This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
RecipesSeafood Stew Craving seafood? This nourishing stew from Janis Worley of Hudson, Ohio is a delicious way to baet the winter blahs. “I’ve yet to find anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with this dish,” says Janis.
RecipesOrange Cream Cheese Spread “Here’s a smooth fluffy spread that couldn’t be easier to make—it has only four ingredients,” reports Lois Gelzer of Standish, Maine. “Try it as a topper on oven-fresh muffins or pumpkin bread. It lends a zingy orange taste to toast and bagels at breakfast, too.”
RecipesBaked Fish with Cheese Sauce for Two There’s plenty of time to whip up this flaky fish and decadent cheese sauce. Turn a ho-hum weeknight into a special occasion.—Kristin Reynolds, Van Buren, Arkansas
RecipesMini Grilled Cheese If you’re looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They’re nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. My family loves to nibble on them anytime. —Anita Curtis, Camarillo, California
RecipesScooter Snacks Feel like building a little fun into after-school routines? Let the kids help you construct these nutritious scooter snacks to rev up their homework efforts or tide them over ’til suppertime! —Didi Desjardins, Dartmouth, Massachusetts
RecipesSouthwest Roll-ups Taste buds tingle when I serve these tempting tortillas stuffed with a zesty mixture of chicken, refried beans, salsa and jalapeno peppers. It’s a savory dish that makes any buffet a fiesta. -Dean Schrock, Jacksonville, Florida
RecipesHomemade Ranch Dressing and Dip Mix Give this versatile mix in a decorative jar with instructions for making dip or dressing. Then tuck it into a gift basket along with a pretty serving bowl and snack crackers or chips. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
RecipesApple Onion Saute This tasty combination of brown sugar, apple and onion is a comforting side. My husband requests it whenever we have pork chops or pork roast. —Katie Crill, Priest River, Idaho
RecipesParsley Potatoes The fresh flavor of parsley is perfect with hot buttered potatoes-it adds a little extra zip. I used this recipe when I did all the cooking at our restaurant, and customers loved it.
RecipesOpen-Faced Hamburgers This kid-friendly recipe is one of my favorites. A Swedish co-worker passed it on to me when we worked together in Iowa.
RecipesCatalina Spinach Salad My husband enjoys this colorful crisp salad. The tangy homemade dressing is economical and easy to fix. The crunch of chow mein noodles and water chestnuts blends nicely with the chopped eggs and crumbled bacon. -Joyce Cutbirth, Meridian, Idaho
RecipesPeanut Butter Dipping Sauce Use this versatile peanut sauce, with its zippy touch of chili powder, to toss with noodles or marinate meat. Of course, it’s a terrific dip for chicken wings, too! —Christine Omar, Harwich Port, Massachusetts