Our Best-Loved Grand Prize Winning Recipes

Cook with confidence when you make the grand prize winning recipes that soared to the top of Taste of Home's best contests.

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Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

I bake over 200 of these cupcakes for our church suppers, and we always run out. If you can't find Key lime juice, use lime juice. Just add a tad more sugar. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota
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Onion Beef au Jus

Garlic, onions, soy sauce and onion soup mix flavor the tender beef in savory hot sandwiches that are served with a tasty rich broth for dipping. The seasoned beef makes delicious cold sandwiches too. —Marilyn Brown, West Union, Iowa
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Roasted Butternut Squash Panzanella

Squash was a hard sell with my family until I paired it with pumpkin seeds, cranberries and horseradish. Now they love it! —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
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South-of-the-Border Caprese Salad

Plump heirloom tomatoes highlight this garden-fresh showpiece, drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing and sprinkled with cheese. It's perfect for an outdoor party and so easy to make! —Kathleen Merkley, Layton, Utah
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Cranberry-Orange Trifle

I make this showstopper for many occasions, slightly changing—or adding—ingredients. I sometimes add toasted coconut between the layers. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
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Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Hens

My mother brought this recipe back with her from Hawaii about 25 years ago. The tender meat, pineapple-coconut stuffing and sweet-sour sauce made it a favorite of my family and friends. I keep copies of the recipe on hand to share. —Vicki Corners, Rock Island, Illinois
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Cranberry Cookies with Browned Butter Glaze

I won a baking contest with these chunky glazed cookies that are so easy, even novice bakers can pull them off. What makes them special? Fresh cranberries. —Laurie Cornett, Charlevoix, Michigan
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Spicy Bean and Beef Pie

My daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio
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Almond Chicken Salad

My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas
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Strawberry Creme Crepes

I always feel like a French chef when I serve these pretty crepes. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're well worth the effort. My guests are always impressed. —Debra Latta, Port Matilda, Pennsylvania
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Cilantro & Lemon Marinated Chicken Kabobs

Cook the onions first so there’s plenty of room on the grill for the chicken skewers. Before serving, give the whole platter a spritz of lemon for a sunshiny delight. —Moumita Ghosh, Kolkata, West Bengal
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Butternut Squash Chili

Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
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Heirloom Tomato Galette with Pecorino

I found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California
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Creamy Lime Pie with Fresh Berries

I combined the tangy tastes of lime and cilantro with cream cheese for this unusual berry pie that showcases seasonal fruit. The ginger cookies add zip to the crust. —Anneliese Barz, Fort Mill, South Carolina
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Southern Brunch Pastry Puff

My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty M. Leddick, Chester, South Carolina
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Twisted Eggs Benedict Salad

Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Surprise Sausage Bundles

Kielbasa and sauerkraut star in a tasty filling for these scrumptious stuffed rolls, which make a great dinner with soup or salad. My family also loves leftover bundles right out of the refrigerator for a quick lunch. —Barb Ruis, Grandville, Michigan
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Cherry Chip Scones

These buttery scones dotted with dried cherries and vanilla chips are so sweet and flaky that I sometimes serve them for dessert. —Pam Brooks, South Berwick, Maine
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Teriyaki Shish Kabobs

When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
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Marvelous Mediterranean Vegetables

With so many barbecues in the summer, I created this simple, tasty dish to complement any entree. I like to prepare it earlier in the day and let it marinate, then I just throw it on the grill.—Cathy Godberson, Oakville, Ontario
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Traditional Lasagna

My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois
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Tempura Chicken Wings

When I moved to Kansas City from Texas, I brought many of my mom's best-loved recipes with me, including these saucy sweet-and-sour wings. The recipe is so good it turned a friend who's not a fan of chicken into a real wing lover. —Susan Wuckowitsch, Lenexa, Kansas
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Raspberry Streusel Coffee Cake

One of my mother's friends used to bring this over at the holidays, and it never lasted long. With tangy raspberry filling, tender cake and crunchy topping, it has become a favorite at our house. —Amy Mitchell, Sabetha, Kansas
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Croissant French Toast

More like a scrumptious dessert than a main dish, this rich French toast is topped with a tangy raspberry sauce and a vanilla sauce that includes ice cream. I cut the croissants into shapes with a cookie cutter for my 4-year-old grandson, Patrick. He even asks for the "ice cream sauce" on pancakes! —June Dickenson Philippi, West Virginia
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Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons

I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico
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Chunky Apple Cake

After taste testing lots of apple cakes, I’ve found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California.
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Zucchini Cupcakes

I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont
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Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
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Cappuccino Muffins

These are my favorite muffins to serve with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. Not only are they great for breakfast, they make a tasty dessert or midnight snack. I get lots of recipe requests whenever I serve them. The espresso spread is also super on a bagel. —Janice Schulz, Racine, Wisconsin
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Slow Cooker Tamale Pie

Canned beans and cornbread muffin mix speed up the prep on this crowd-pleasing main dish that’s perfect for busy evenings and carry-in dinners. —Jill Pokrivka, York, Pennsylvania
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

I created this recipe to combine two of my all-time favorites: cheesecake for the grown-up in me and chocolate chip cookie dough for the little girl in me. Sour cream offsets the sweetness and adds a nice tang. Everyone who tries this scrumptious cookie dough cheesecake loves it. —Julie Craig, Kewaskum, Wisconsin
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Blond Brownies a la Mode

Ever since I tried the maple blondie at Applebee's, I've been determined to figure out the recipe. I tried several variations until I came up with this one, and it's become one of our family favorites. —Pat Parker, Chester, South Carolina
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Spinach-Topped Tomatoes

This colorful side dish is classic for a reason! It provides a perfect taste of summer when garden-fresh tomatoes are in season, but we enjoy it year-round. My daughter especially loves this dish. —Ila Mae Alderman, Galax, Virginia
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Chocolate Truffle Cake

Love chocolate? Then this tender, luxurious layer cake is for you. With a ganache glaze and a fabulous bittersweet filling, the indulgence is so worth it. —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
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Can't-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon Rolls

My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio
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Orange Walnut Chicken

For an impressive main dish that's not tricky to prepare, try this mouthwatering chicken. With orange juice concentrate, orange juice, lemon juice and marmalade, the pretty sauce has a zesty taste. —TerryAnn Moore, Vineland, New Jersey
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I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas Bread

My children love to bake (and eat) all kinds of banana bread. They make this all by themselves, with just a little help from me to put it in the oven. —Kristin Metcalf, Charlton, Massachusetts
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Mocha Truffles

Nothing compares to the melt-in-your-mouth flavor of these truffles...or to the simplicity of the recipe. Whenever I make them for my family or friends, they're quickly devoured. No one has to know how easy they are to prepare! —Stacy Abell, Olathe, Kansas
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Banana Bread Pudding

When I visited my grandmother in summer, I always looked forward to the comforting banana bread pudding she'd make. With its crusty golden top, custard-like inside and smooth vanilla sauce, this pudding is a real homespun dessert. Now I make it for my grandchildren. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio
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Pleasing Potato Pizza

I first heard of this distinctive pizza after a friend tried it at a restaurant. It inspired me to come up with my own recipe. The way the slices disappear, there’s no doubt about this pizza’s potatoey goodness. —Barbara Zimmer, Wanless, Manitoba
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Garden Veggie Lasagna

Stroll the farmers market and you'll find veggies and cheeses you might not know what to do with. Why not pull them together in one harmonious bunch and make this go-to lasagna when you crave a twist on an Italian favorite? —Samantha Neal, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Eggnog Cream with Spiced Pecan Raisin Dunkers

I have a thing for eggnog and other creamy desserts like s’mores, pudding, mousses and dips. So I turned them into one yummy dip with homemade dunkers. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Pumpkin Scones with Berry Butter

These delightful scones are perfect on a cold winter day with a steaming hot cup of coffee. They also make a wonderful hostess gift arranged in a basket. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
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Stuffing Dumpling Soup

I've always loved turkey, dumplings and stuffing, so I combined them and added a punch of Creole flavor. My family loves it, even my little ones. It's got some kick, but a dollop of sour cream can mellow that out. —Relina Shirley, Reno, Nevada
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Cookie Dough Truffles

The flavorful filling at the center of these yummy candies tastes like genuine chocolate chip cookie dough…with no worry about raw eggs. That's what makes them so appealing. And they're easy to make. —Lanita Dedon, Slaughter, Louisiana
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Blueberry French Toast

A local blueberry grower shared this recipe with me, and it's the best breakfast dish I've ever tasted. With the cream cheese and berry combination, this French toast casserole reminds me of dessert. —Patricia Axelsen, Aurora, Minnesota
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Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine

This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
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Toffee-Mocha Cream Torte

When you really want to impress someone, this scrumptious torte is just the thing to make! Instant coffee granules give the moist chocolate cake a mild mocha flavor, while the fluffy whipped cream layers, blended with brown sugar and crunchy toffee bits, are deliciously rich. —Lynn Rogers, Richfield, North Carolina
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Chocolate Velvet Dessert

This creamy concoction is the result of several attempts to duplicate a dessert I enjoyed on vacation. It looks so beautiful on a buffet table that many folks are tempted to forgo the main course in favor of this chocolaty treat. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
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Down East Blueberry Buckle

This buckle won a contest at my daughter’s college. The prize was four lobsters, but the real reward was the smile on our daughter’s face. —Dianne van der Veen, Plymouth, Massachusetts
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Lemon Chiffon Cake

This moist, airy lemon chiffon cake was my dad's favorite. Mom revamped the original recipe to include lemons. I'm not much of a baker, but whenever I make this dessert my family is thrilled! —Trisha Kammers, Clarkston, Washington
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Rustic Nut Bars

My friends love crunching into the crust—so much like shortbread—and the wildly nutty topping of these chewy, gooey bars. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin
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Taco Meat Loaves

We live in Texas and love the Southwest style of cooking. This taco meat loaf recipe spices up plain ol’ meat loaf! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas
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Colorful Corn Salad

This colorful, tasty corn salad is an excellent way to perk up a summer picnic. The seasonings add a bold, refreshing Southwestern flavor that brings people back for seconds. It's nice to have a different kind of salad to share. —Helen Koedel, Hamilton, Ohio
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Chocolate & Peanut Butter Mousse Cheesecake

This no-bake cheesecake with distinctive layers of chocolate, peanut butter mousse and a silky ganache on top will take some time to assemble, but it's worth the effort to create a homemade dessert with grand-champion appeal—and definitely worth the wait. —JaNon Furrer, Prescott, Arizona
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Pizza-Style Manicotti

Ham, pepperoni, string cheese and manicotti shells make a tasty hands-on recipe that even small children can help prepare. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
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"Secret's in the Sauce" BBQ Ribs

A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Rhubarb Swirl Cheesecake

I love cheesecake and my husband loves chocolate, so this is a favorite dessert of ours. The rhubarb adds a tartness that complements the sweet flavors so well.—Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois
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Five-Cheese Macaroni with Prosciutto Bits

Macaroni is baked with smoked Gouda, Swiss, white cheddar, goat cheese and Parmesan and topped with crispy prosciutto—so worth it! —Mya Zeronis, Washington, DC
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Special Mocha Cupcakes

Topped with a fluffy frosting and chocolate sprinkles, these extra-rich, extra-delicious cupcakes smell wonderful while baking and taste even better! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Berry Cheesecake Muffins

I adapted this recipe over the years for my family, and they think it’s wonderful. Not only are the muffins delicious, but they’re bursting with fantastic color, too. — Jeanne Bilhimer, Midland, Michigan
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Brie Cherry Pastry Cups

Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio
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Chicken Florentine Meatballs

Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
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Chocolate Malted Cookies

These cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I've ever tasted … and with six kids, I've made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Jim's Secret Family Recipe Ribs

For more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous rib recipe a secret. When he finally shared it, we just had to pass it along because we loved it so much. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado
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Almond Bear Claws

This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
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Terrific Turkey Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a favorite dish in our home. Our little girl, who calls them laladas, especially loves them. This is a really tasty take on the classic southwestern dish. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Bubbly & Golden Mexican Beef Cobbler

Add whatever you like to this Mexican beef cobbler to make it yours—black beans, sour cream, even guacamole! —Mary Brooks, Clay, Michigan
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Chicken Potpie Soup

My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas
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Coconut-Pecan German Chocolate Pie

This German chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It's so silky and smooth, you won't be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas
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Tacoritos

This mild and meaty southwestern dish combines the delicious flavor of tacos with the heartiness of burritos. Your family is going to love 'em! —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee
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Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

These pretzel-shaped buttery chocolate cookies are covered in a rich mocha glaze and drizzled with white chocolate. My family goes wild over their chocolaty crunch. They're beautiful to serve and to give as gifts. —Priscilla Anderson, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Slow-Cooker Tropical Pork Chops

Pork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Pickled Pepperoncini Deviled Eggs

It's hard to resist these adorable deviled trees on our buffet table. The avocado filling has pepperoncini and cilantro for extra zip. —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah
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Golden Beet Curry Risotto with Crispy Beet Greens

I was delighted to find golden beets at the farmers market and knew they'd be perfect in a risotto recipe I was working on. And please, don't forget the baked crispy beet greens...amazing! Move over, main dish! This vibrant side will steal the show. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Dana Meredith
Dana is an editor and writer who shares her passion for travel, food and the beauty of American landscapes. When she's not wielding her red pen, she can be found tending her flower gardens, remodeling her house, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry or dancing to "Uptown Funk."