25 Wicked Good New England Recipes

The third of July is almost as important as the Fourth in my family. We make these stuffed clams on the third every year, and it’s an event in and of itself! —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island

I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It’s a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island

This buckle won a contest at my daughter’s college. They shipped us four lobsters, but the real prize was seeing the smile on our daughter’s face. —Dianne van der Veen, Plymouth, Massachusetts

My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic dish always delights our guests. It’s deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts

Hash is a classic diner dish. With potatoes and pastrami, this one’s easy to make at home. The beets give it fabulous color and flavor. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont

At the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me first place. I entered them on a whim after trying many crab cake recipes for my family. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland

I turn to this recipe frequently because I can prepare it a day ahead—it’s so convenient when company’s coming. And with only a trace of fat, the fruity side dish is nutritious and delicious.—Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Wondering how to cook lobster tail? This recipe is for you! No matter where you live, these succulent, buttery lobster tails are just a few minutes away. Here in Wisconsin, we use frozen lobster with delicious results, but if you’re near the ocean, use fresh! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In my family, it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without baked clams. They’re easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York

Apple donuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider donut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This dish is hearty and perfect for warming up on a chilly winter evening. The aroma is almost as delightful as the dish itself. —Frank Grady, Fort Kent, Maine

We Northeasterners have been baking this pie since the 18th century. Settlers would’ve used little wild blueberries and topped it with cream. I do, too. —Nancy O’Connell, Biddeford, Maine

When I moved to New England, I embraced the local cuisine. My cassoulet with baked beans pays tribute to a French classic and to New England in one hearty, heartwarming dish. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Pumpkin bread is for chilly mornings when you long for some homestyle New England food. Serve slices with a warm and soothing beverage. —Kimberly Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire

Large, soft and chewy, these molasses cookies make a great snack. This classic recipe has a warm blend of spices that seems stronger the second day. Your family will definitely ask you to make these again.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Here’s a nice, hearty breakfast with plenty of old-fashioned flavor. I serve it to my bed-and-breakfast customers. They love the cake’s savory middle and maple syrup topping. It’s a great way to start the day! —Lorraine Guyn, Calgary, Alberta

We make our own maple syrup, and that’s what gives this pie its special taste. You might want to bake this for your Thanksgiving meal. —Martha Boudah, Essex Center, Vermont

No time to make a homemade soup? Think again! You’ll be ladling out steamy bowls of this satisfying chowder in no time. Canned corn and crab blend beautifully in the creamy colorful soup. —Sarah McClanahan, Raleigh, North Carolina

Many Rhode Islanders spell wiener with an “ei” and serve theirs “all the way” with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island

Dress up a cookie plate with these old-fashioned spice bars full of raisins, molasses, cinnamon, ginger and nuts. Then dip the chewy treats in coffee or hot cocoa on frosty days. It’s said the cookies are called “hermits” because you can hide them out of sight, just like hermits, for days. They’ll be just as good—maybe even better as the flavors blend and develop! —Jeri Tirmenstein, Apache Junction, Arizona

This pretty side dish’s bright, citrusy flavors are an ideal companion for down-to-earth entrees—and for people who usually shy away from beets. —Jean Ann Perkins, Newburyport, Maryland

While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it’s a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut

My grandmother always served this pudding for holidays and family reunions. Everyone loves it. Corn pudding is a popular side dish on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. —Susan Brown Langenstein, Salisbury, Maryland

Since our area has an annual blueberry festival, my daughters and I are always looking for great new berry recipes to enter in the cooking contest. These lovely yummy bars won a blue ribbon one year. —Debbie Ayers, Baileyville, Maine