RecipesMac and Cheese Bites Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
RecipesMake-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer Salad This salad is an all-time favorite. I reach for the recipe whenever I need a dish to pass. It is easy to make, can be assembled ahead of time and looks marvelous. —Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
RecipesSouthern Lane Cake I just love this southern-style dessert, and so do dinner guests. With pecans, cherries and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only so much better! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington
RecipesMargarita Cake This margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You’ll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
RecipesChampion Chicken Puffs My guests peel rubber getting to the table to munch on these chicken puffs. The tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
RecipesFestive Meringue Cookies Try these meringue cookies without cream of tartar! These festive treats sparkle not only during the holidays but also for other occasions year-round. Use colored sugar or food coloring to change things up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesFlorentine Ciabatta I came up with this appetizer because of my love for white pizza. I’ve served my ciabatta pizza at many holiday parties, and it’s always a big hit among both children and adults. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
RecipesCherry Pecan Dreams Packed with fruit, nuts and vanilla chips, these are always a treat. To vary the flavor, swap in dried cranberries or apricots for the cherries, and pistachios for the pecans. —Mary Ann Mariotti, Plainfield, Illinois
RecipesGrilled Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks When Mom makes grilled chicken thighs and drumsticks, this is the way we like it prepared. It’s juicy, has great barbecue flavor and makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for a summer picnic and family reunions. —Brenda Beachy, Belvidere, Tennessee
RecipesCountry Bean Soup I like to give this mix as a gift, layering the beans in a clear pint jar and attaching the soup directions with a festive ribbon. You’ll find it’s perfect to serve year-round. —Donna Higbee, Riverton, Utah
RecipesMinestrone Vegetables and herbs fresh from my garden make this one of our favorite soups. This recipe makes a lot, so it’s perfect for large gatherings or to freeze in smaller containers for fast meals.—Virginia Bauer, Botkins, Ohio
RecipesGerman Chocolate Cake This German chocolate cake is my husband’s favorite! Each bite has crunch from the pecans, and sweetness from coconut and chocolate. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio
RecipesSlow-Cooked Blueberry French Toast Your slow cooker can be your best friend on a busy morning. Just get this recipe going, run some errands and come back to the smell of French toast ready to eat. —Elizabeth Lorenz, Peru, Indiana
RecipesChocolate Lover’s Mousse Torte With layer after luscious layer of creamy filling and cake, Chocolate Lover’s Mousse Torte proves irresistible every time. —Brenda Fisher, Stella, Missouri
RecipesOrange Dream Angel Food Cake A basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence, thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates.—Lauren Osborne, Holtwood, Pennsylvania