• Slide 1 of 35: When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal. —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, Minnesota Get Recipe
  • Slide 2 of 35: My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy molasses cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York Get Recipe
  • Slide 3 of 35: After finding this vintage macaroni salad years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck it inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky Get Recipe
  • Slide 4 of 35: Each fall there's a Lima Bean Festival in nearby West Cape May to honor the many growers there and showcase different recipes using their crop. This comforting chowder was a festival recipe contest winner several years ago. —Kathleen Olsack, North Cape May, New Jersey Get Recipe
  • Slide 5 of 35: This recipe is so good that I truly enjoy sharing it with others. I've always liked Salisbury steak, but I had to search a long time to find a recipe this tasty. It's handy, too because it can be prepared ahead, kept in the refrigerator and warmed up later. —Denise Barteet, Shreveport, Louisiana Get Recipe
  • Slide 6 of 35: Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunch meat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan Get Recipe
  • Slide 7 of 35: Do-ahead and delicious, this dessert is a favorite because of its pretty color, creamy texture and terrific flavor. A light, no-bake filling makes it easy. Try garnishing with fresh berries and sprigs of mint. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota Get Recipe
  • Slide 8 of 35: I was a theater major in college, and our director's mother always made sure we were well fed. I was particularly fond of her pimento cheese sandwiches and tried making a similar spread for crackers. It tastes just as good as I remember! —Katrina Jameson, Brandon, Mississippi Get Recipe
  • Slide 9 of 35: This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida Get Recipe
  • Slide 10 of 35: We had all kinds of apple trees in the yard when I was growing up, so I don't know for sure which ones Mother liked best for applesauce. (Today I use Cortlands.) I do know that her applesauce was very white. The secret, she said, was to keep the apples in salt water while she peeled them so that they wouldn't darken. —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa Get Recipe
  • Slide 11 of 35: One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona Get Recipe
  • Slide 12 of 35: I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my "special" beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio Get Recipe
  • Slide 13 of 35: A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this cake is never enough—better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried!—Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania Get Recipe
  • Slide 14 of 35: My family often requests my sweet homemade tomato soup on cold days. It's great with a sandwich and nearly as quick to fix as the canned variety. —Jane Ward, Churchville, Maryland Get Recipe
  • Slide 15 of 35: We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida Get Recipe
  • Slide 16 of 35: This comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba Get Recipe
  • Slide 17 of 35: I'm 12 years old and make this bread with my mother, who got the recipe from her mother. I usually make the dough, and my mom bakes it. Get Recipe
  • Slide 18 of 35: When you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is "eggs-actly" what you need. There's a short ingredient list, and cooking is kept to a minimum. Plus, with green pepper and tomato, it's colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Get Recipe
  • Slide 19 of 35: Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas Get Recipe
  • Slide 20 of 35: Homemade pudding reminds me of my grandma and how she turned milk and eggs into creamy textures before my eyes. The butterscotch in this recipe adds a caramel-sweet touch. —Teresa Wilkes, Pembroke, Georgia Get Recipe
  • Slide 21 of 35: My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts Get Recipe
  • Slide 22 of 35: The beauty of this soup is that you can roast the vegetables separately in the oven while it's simmering away. Then simply add them in during the last minutes on the stovetop. I love that the roasted vegetables keep their own bright flavors that add to this earthy bowl of warmth. —Gayla Scott, West Jefferson, North Carolina Get Recipe
  • Slide 23 of 35: When I was growing up on a farm, my mom always seemed to be making homemade bread...nothing tasted so good! Now I like to make these simple yet delicious muffins for my own family. —Linda Rasmussen, Twin Falls, Idaho Get Recipe
  • Slide 24 of 35: I adapted an oven recipe to cook itself while I’m away. It’s ready to serve when I get home, making it a real winner in my book! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California Get Recipe
  • Slide 25 of 35: Herbs lend amazing flavor, making these the best deviled eggs you can make!—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia Get Recipe
  • Slide 26 of 35: Chock-full of poultry, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe for chicken pot pie makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. This is the best chicken potpie recipe to have on hand when company comes over. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California Get Recipe
  • Slide 27 of 35: Canned tomato soup replaces some of the oil in this spice cake, decreasing the fat, boosting the color and (surprise!) enhancing the taste. —Hannah Thompson, Scotts Valley, California Get Recipe
  • Slide 28 of 35: Cookie butter and ground ginger add a new layer of flavor. The recipe makes about 18 cookies; they go fast so you may want to make a double batch. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio Get Recipe
  • Slide 29 of 35: My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho Get Recipe
  • Slide 30 of 35: Not only is this recipe a favorite of my husband's, it's extra special to me because it goes back to my great-grandmother. For holidays, we like to sprinkle on colored sugar for a festive touch. —Mary Ann Konechne, Kimball, South Dakota Get Recipe
  • Slide 31 of 35: Sunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, they always rate this corned beef hash recipe No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota Get Recipe
  • Slide 32 of 35: These tiny, tangy appetizers have such broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead, then just reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon Get Recipe
  • Slide 33 of 35: Before my baby was born, I was in nesting mode and made lots of freezable recipes like these creamy red potatoes. The yogurt is a healthy swap for sour cream. —Valerie Cox, Secretary, Maryland Get Recipe
  • Slide 34 of 35: When I was growing up on Cyprus, my mother would often make this side dish to have with roast lamb. Although I hated lima beans when I was a kid (who didn't?), I love them now. They always remind me of home. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California Get Recipe
  • Slide 35 of 35: This reminds me of the brown bread my grandmother made whenever we went out east to visit. The aroma evokes fond memories of her New England home during the peak of fall. I use blackstrap molasses and agave nectar to make mine a little different without sacrificing any of the flavor. Cranberries are another special touch, but this would also taste delicious with raisins. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin Get Recipe
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1/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf

When my husband and I were first married, he refused to eat meat loaf because he said it was bland and dry. Then I prepared this version, and it became his favorite meal. —Suzanne Codner, Starbuck, Minnesota Get Recipe
2/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Giant Molasses Cookies

My family always requests these soft molasses cookies. These chewy molasses cookies are also great for shipping as holiday gifts or to troops overseas. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York Get Recipe
3/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Judy's Macaroni Salad

After finding this vintage macaroni salad years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck it inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky Get Recipe
4/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Lima Bean Soup

Each fall there's a Lima Bean Festival in nearby West Cape May to honor the many growers there and showcase different recipes using their crop. This comforting chowder was a festival recipe contest winner several years ago. —Kathleen Olsack, North Cape May, New Jersey Get Recipe
5/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Salisbury Steak Deluxe

This recipe is so good that I truly enjoy sharing it with others. I've always liked Salisbury steak, but I had to search a long time to find a recipe this tasty. It's handy, too because it can be prepared ahead, kept in the refrigerator and warmed up later. —Denise Barteet, Shreveport, Louisiana Get Recipe
6/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Zippy Egg Salad

Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunch meat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan Get Recipe
7/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Creamy Raspberry Dessert

Do-ahead and delicious, this dessert is a favorite because of its pretty color, creamy texture and terrific flavor. A light, no-bake filling makes it easy. Try garnishing with fresh berries and sprigs of mint. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota Get Recipe
8/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Pimiento Cheddar Spread

I was a theater major in college, and our director's mother always made sure we were well fed. I was particularly fond of her pimento cheese sandwiches and tried making a similar spread for crackers. It tastes just as good as I remember! —Katrina Jameson, Brandon, Mississippi Get Recipe
9/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Cherry Tomato Salad

This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida Get Recipe
10/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Old-Fashioned Applesauce

We had all kinds of apple trees in the yard when I was growing up, so I don't know for sure which ones Mother liked best for applesauce. (Today I use Cortlands.) I do know that her applesauce was very white. The secret, she said, was to keep the apples in salt water while she peeled them so that they wouldn't darken. —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa Get Recipe
11/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

One evening, we had unexpected company. Since I had the ingredients on hand, I made this spaghetti and meatballs recipe. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona Get Recipe
12/35 SLIDES © Taste of Home

Three-Bean Baked Beans

I got this recipe from an aunt and made a couple of changes to suit our tastes. With ground beef and bacon mixed in, these satisfying beans are a big hit at backyard barbecues and church picnics. I'm always asked to bring my "special" beans. —Julie Currington, Gahanna, Ohio Get Recipe
13/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A pleasingly moist cake, this treat is the one I requested that my mom make each year for my birthday. It's dotted with sweet carrots and a hint of cinnamon. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. One piece of this cake is never enough—better than all the other carrot cakes I've tried!—Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania Get Recipe
14/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Quick Tomato Soup

My family often requests my sweet homemade tomato soup on cold days. It's great with a sandwich and nearly as quick to fix as the canned variety. —Jane Ward, Churchville, Maryland Get Recipe
15/35 SLIDES © Taste of Home

All-American Hamburgers

We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida Get Recipe
16/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding

This comforting dessert is a wonderful way to end any meal. As a girl, I always waited eagerly for the first heavenly bite. Today, my husband likes to top his with a scoop of ice cream. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba Get Recipe
17/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Whole Wheat Bread

I'm 12 years old and make this bread with my mother, who got the recipe from her mother. I usually make the dough, and my mom bakes it. Get Recipe
18/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Calico Scrambled Eggs

When you're short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is "eggs-actly" what you need. There's a short ingredient list, and cooking is kept to a minimum. Plus, with green pepper and tomato, it's colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Get Recipe
19/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Mom's Swedish Meatballs

Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone’s mouth starts watering. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas Get Recipe
20/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Homemade Butterscotch Pudding

Homemade pudding reminds me of my grandma and how she turned milk and eggs into creamy textures before my eyes. The butterscotch in this recipe adds a caramel-sweet touch. —Teresa Wilkes, Pembroke, Georgia Get Recipe
21/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Great-Grandma's Italian Meatballs

My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts Get Recipe
22/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Beef Barley Soup with Roasted Vegetables

The beauty of this soup is that you can roast the vegetables separately in the oven while it's simmering away. Then simply add them in during the last minutes on the stovetop. I love that the roasted vegetables keep their own bright flavors that add to this earthy bowl of warmth. —Gayla Scott, West Jefferson, North Carolina Get Recipe
23/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Wonderful English Muffins

When I was growing up on a farm, my mom always seemed to be making homemade bread...nothing tasted so good! Now I like to make these simple yet delicious muffins for my own family. —Linda Rasmussen, Twin Falls, Idaho Get Recipe
24/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

I adapted an oven recipe to cook itself while I’m away. It’s ready to serve when I get home, making it a real winner in my book! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California Get Recipe
25/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Best Deviled Eggs

Herbs lend amazing flavor, making these the best deviled eggs you can make!—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia Get Recipe
26/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Favorite Chicken Potpie

Chock-full of poultry, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe for chicken pot pie makes two golden pies, so you can serve one at supper and save the other for a busy night. This is the best chicken potpie recipe to have on hand when company comes over. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California Get Recipe
27/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Surprise Spice Cake

Canned tomato soup replaces some of the oil in this spice cake, decreasing the fat, boosting the color and (surprise!) enhancing the taste. —Hannah Thompson, Scotts Valley, California Get Recipe
28/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies

Cookie butter and ground ginger add a new layer of flavor. The recipe makes about 18 cookies; they go fast so you may want to make a double batch. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio Get Recipe
29/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Chicken Salad Party Sandwiches

My famous chicken salad arrives at the party chilled in a plastic container. When it’s time to set out the food, I stir in the pecans and assemble the sandwiches. They’re a hit at buffet-style potlucks. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho Get Recipe
30/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Great-Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies

Not only is this recipe a favorite of my husband's, it's extra special to me because it goes back to my great-grandmother. For holidays, we like to sprinkle on colored sugar for a festive touch. —Mary Ann Konechne, Kimball, South Dakota Get Recipe
31/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Corned Beef Hash and Eggs

Sunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, they always rate this corned beef hash recipe No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota Get Recipe
32/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Party Franks

These tiny, tangy appetizers have such broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead, then just reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon Get Recipe
33/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Twice-Baked Red Potatoes

Before my baby was born, I was in nesting mode and made lots of freezable recipes like these creamy red potatoes. The yogurt is a healthy swap for sour cream. —Valerie Cox, Secretary, Maryland Get Recipe
34/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Lemon-Garlic Lima Beans

When I was growing up on Cyprus, my mother would often make this side dish to have with roast lamb. Although I hated lima beans when I was a kid (who didn't?), I love them now. They always remind me of home. —Paris Paraskeva, San Francisco, California Get Recipe
35/35 SLIDES © Provided by Taste of Home

Cape Cod Bay Brown Bread

This reminds me of the brown bread my grandmother made whenever we went out east to visit. The aroma evokes fond memories of her New England home during the peak of fall. I use blackstrap molasses and agave nectar to make mine a little different without sacrificing any of the flavor. Cranberries are another special touch, but this would also taste delicious with raisins. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin Get Recipe
35/35 SLIDES
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