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Traditional Italian Menu: Appetizer
Recipe: Marinated MozzarellaI always come home with an empty container when I bring this dish to a party. It can be made ahead to free up time later. I serve it with pretty frilled toothpicks for a festive look. —Peggy Cairo, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Traditional Italian Menu: Side
Recipe: Italian Salad with VinaigretteFor an Italian twist on salad, I mix greens with red onion, mushrooms, olives, pepperoncini, lemon juice and seasoning. Add tomatoes and carrots if you like. —Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan
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Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip
Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York
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Traditional Italian Menu: Dessert
Recipe: Marvelous Cannoli CakeA luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut
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Easy Favorites Menu: Main Course
Recipe: Standing Rib RoastTreat your family to tender slices of standing rib roast or use the seasoning blend on a different beef roast for a hearty, delicious main dish. I love to prepare this recipe for special occasions. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
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Easy Favorites Menu: Appetizer
Recipe: Savory Party BreadIt’s impossible to stop nibbling on warm pieces of this cheesy, oniony bread. The sliced loaf fans out for a fun presentation. —Kay Daly, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Easy Favorites Menu: Side
Recipe: Rosemary Potatoes & AsparagusShowcase asparagus when you dress it in fresh rosemary and red potatoes for an earthy counterpoint to the fresh, green spears. Add minced garlic and you get a gorgeous, flavorful side dish. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Easy Favorites Menu: Side
Recipe: Cauliflower CasseroleTo dress up cauliflower, Mom used a delightful mixture of a cheesy sauce, bright red and green pepper pieces and crushed cornflakes. We enjoyed this casserole so much that leftovers were rare. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio
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Easy Favorites Menu: Dessert
Recipe: Eggnog Cutout CookiesI created this cookie recipe because my sons liked eggnog so much. After frosting the cookies, you can add to their festive flair by sprinkling them with colored sugar. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
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Classic Christmas Menu: Main Course
Recipe: Cranberry Glazed HamThat show-stopping entree you’ve been hoping for is right here, and it only takes five ingredients to make. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with succulent ham. —Joni Peterson, Wichita, Kansas
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Best Ever Stuffed Mushrooms
At party time, I bring out a platter of my easy stuffed mushrooms. I like to make mine with reduced-fat sausage, but you can use regular for an indulgent treat. —Debby Beard, Eagle, Colorado
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Mom's Sweet Potato Bake
Mom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
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Buttery Almond Green Beans
Toasted almonds add crunch to this no-fuss treatment for fresh beans. They get extra flavor from convenient onion soup mix and Parmesan cheese. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
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Classic Christmas Menu: Dessert
Recipe: Raspberry Cocoa TrifleThis lovely layered dessert is my husband’s favorite. I always make it for our Christmas dinner, but it’s excellent after any special meal. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
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Simply Elegant Menu: Main Course
Recipe: Mushroom Beef TenderloinIt doesn’t take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. Here’s the delicious proof. —Denise McNab, Warrington, Pennsylvania
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Simply Elegant Menu: Appetizer
Recipe: Shrimp TartletsFill mini tart shells with a cream cheese mixture, then top with seafood sauce and shrimp for a picture-perfect look and delightful taste. This recipe makes a great appetizer, or serve several for a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri
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Simple Au Gratin Potatoes
These homemade au gratin potatoes are always welcome at our dinner table, and they're so simple to make. A perfect complement to ham, this homey potato gratin also goes well with pork, chicken and other entrees. —Cris O'Brien, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Simply Elegant Menu: Side
Recipe: Garlic-Roasted Brussels SproutsDon’t be afraid to bring out the Brussels sprouts. Mellowed by roasting and tossed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Learn how to perfectly roast garlic, so you can take your dishes to a whole new level.
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Pears and Cranberries Poached in Wine
An elegant dessert doesn't have to take tons of work. Tart and refreshing, this simple-to-make treat is a tasty dinner finale. —Eva Amuso, Cheshire, MassachusettsUp Next: Put your air fryer to good use this holiday season with our air-fryer Christmas recipes.
Originally Published: December 14, 2018