RecipesFrozen Pumpkin Dessert This frozen pumpkin ice cream dessert can be prepared and frozen weeks in advance. I’ve found it has more mass appeal than traditional pumpkin pie. —Susan Bennett, Edmond, Oklahoma
RecipesMini Party Burgers We love finger foods in the South. For parties, I make mini burgers in advance and then wrap them in pastry, bake them and serve them with assorted sauces. —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee
RecipesTriple-Layer Vegetable Terrine My family enjoys eating vegetables when they’re pureed and made into a tasty terrine. Although it takes a little time to prepare, this unique cold dish can conveniently be made a day in advance.
RecipesItalian Squash Casserole You can assemble this garlic-kissed veggie dish in advance, but wait to bake it until just before serving. The aroma from the oven will lure everyone in the house to the kitchen.—Paul VanSavage, Binghamton, NY
RecipesPork Chops with Apricot Sauce “The apricot preserves bring a very special flavor to the pork. I serve it with good old corn bread, which can be made in advance and tastes great with any meat.” Patricia Swart – Bridgeton, Nersey
RecipesMarinated Asparagus Salad A no-fuss side dish is great when entertaining. The asparagus is cooked and chilled in advance, then stands at room temperature in the marinade while I visit and prepare the rest of the meal. —Janice Connelley, Spring Creek, Nevada
RecipesHorn Walnut Cookies It takes only a few ingredients to create these elegant and delicious horns. This is a terrific make-ahead recipe because the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to seven days. —Loretta Stokes, Philadephia, Pennsylvania
RecipesZippy Curry Dip Everyone eats their vegetables when this creamy dip is served alongside them. The curry flavor gets stronger the longer the dip stands, so I like to make it in advance. —Priscilla Steffke, Wausau, Wisconsin
RecipesSourdough Bread This no-knead sourdough bread is delicious. It has a crisp crust and distinctive sourdough flavor from the “starter” yeast mixture you stir up in advance. I was surprised at how easy it is! —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
RecipesCreamy Peanut Butter Pie Quartered peanut butter cups top this rich smooth pie that’s always a hit at gatherings. It saves time, too, because it can be made in advance and frozen until needed. —Rhonda McDaniel, Rossville, Georgia
RecipesChocolate Rum Balls Roll these truffle-like rum balls in crushed Oreos to get just the right amount of crunch. They can be made three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I also tuck some in the freezer!
RecipesYummy Cookie Bars I received this recipe from a special co-worker at school, and it is always a huge success when I make them. It works great to make them a day in advance. It will allow the bars to set and be cut easier.
RecipesSantorini Lamb Sliders I love lamb burgers, so I created a crowd-friendly slider version. The tzatziki sauce is best made a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to mingle. —Cristina Certano, Colorado Springs, Colorado
RecipesCream-Filled Cinnamon Coffee Cake Repeat guests often phone ahead to request my cinnamony coffee cake for breakfast. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate, or welcome company with its fresh-baked aroma. —Arlene Wengerd, Millersburg, Ohio
Holidays & Events45 Beach Picnic Recipes You Need This Summer Pack up easy-to-eat beach picnic recipes, including snacks, sandwiches and pasta salads. Everything can be made in advance, will travel in your cooler and can be eaten cold or at room temp. Surf’s up!
RecipesChocolate Cherry Crepes One of the reasons that we love this impressive-looking recipe is that it’s easy to make. We prepare the crepes and filling in advance, and assemble them and add the topping just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen