78 Recipes That Will Make Your Mom Proud
Updated: Apr. 20, 2024
Mom will know you were watching her cook when you whip up these impressive dishes as an adult.
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Citrus Salmon en Papillote
Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan
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Springtime Beignets & Berries
I've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado
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Kale Slaw Spring Salad
My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
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Strawberry-Basil Refresher
Fresh strawberries and basil are everywhere, so get them together for a cooler that’s pure sunshine. I garnish with basil leaves and sip outdoors. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
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Asparagus, Bacon & Shallot Tart
My tart is adapted from my mom's quiche recipe. She lives thousands of miles away from me in the U.K., so whenever I make it, happy memories of home come flooding back. —Paula Nolan, Granite Bay, California
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Mama's Warm German Potato Salad
My grandmother, Mama, made this potato salad for every family gathering at her home. The relatives would arrive with their specialties in hand. She never wrote the recipe down, so I had to re-create it from memory. Years later, it's just about right. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Berry Tarts
When you need a recipe to feed a crowd, these mixed berry tarts have a butter crusty and burst with fruit flavor. The citrusy whipped topping brings it all together.
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Sweet Pea Pesto
I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
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Rhubarb Tart
The rhubarb flavor in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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Vol-au-Vent
This creamy chicken vol-au-vent recipe is an easy yet impressive puff pastry appetizer. Thanks to some simple shortcuts, you'll get all the praise for half the work!
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Brandied Apricot Tart
Canned apricots make this golden, buttery tart a wonderful option any time of year. I brush them with preserves and brandy, then sprinkle on almonds for a bit of crunch. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
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Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken
I love lemon and thyme together so I decided to roast a chicken with that combo. The seasoning is simple, and the meat comes out moist and tender. —Pam Nelson, Beaverton, Oregon
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Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding Torte
This recipe is a busy mom's twist on a favorite dessert—tiramisu. The dish is simple to assemble and perfect to make the day before you want to serve it. The hardest thing about this recipe is waiting for it to chill so you can eat it! —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
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Full Garden Frittata
I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
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Cod and Asparagus Bake
The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
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Whole Grain Banana Pancakes
My kids love homemade banana bread, so why not make it in pancake form? These freeze well for a special breakfast any day. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
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Greek Veggie Omelet
This is a family favorite in my house. It's very quick and satisfying and not to mention, yummy! —Sharon Mannix, Windsor, New York
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Pixie Dust Cookies
These crisp and buttery cookies are based on a favorite Scottish shortbread recipe. They're just the right amount of sweet—and fun to decorate! —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma
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Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie
Use fresh or frozen fruits in this coconutty recipe. It's like a pina colada, but better for you and more versatile. —Gunjan Dudani, Bellevue, Washington
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Fresh Strawberry Breakfast Tacos
When our son was growing up, this was one of his favorite breakfasts. I've used low-fat ingredients in the past with good results, too.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Strawberry Cookie Cups
I learned to bake beside my mom and grandmother. When I was on break from college, I knew just how to entertain myself: I made cookies. Sharing this recipe with my mom and grandmother was a proud moment.—Andrea Zulauf, Livonia, New York
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Creamy Pesto 'n Bacon Eggs Benedict
One of my favorite brunch dishes is eggs Benedict. While I adore the traditional version, I also have fun using other flavors. This is my Italian take using a semi-homemade creamy pesto sauce.—Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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California Dream Smoothie
It's sunshine in a smoothie! This one's a true California treat—sweet and tangy from start to finish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
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Cinnamon Roll Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Cheesecake, coffee cake and cinnamon rolls—all rolled into one! —Deanna Smith, Meridian, Idaho
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Avocado & Artichoke Pasta Salad
A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of cilantro and a little avocado make this a creamy and zingy pasta salad. —Carrie Farias, Oak Ridge, New Jersey
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Limoncello Cream Pie
After a big Christmas dinner, we love the cool refreshment of a frozen lemon pie. Limoncello brings a little sophistication to each smooth, creamy slice. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
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Herb & Cheese Scrambled Eggs
As a child I grew up on a farm where eggs and herbs were plentiful in summer. My mother made these eggs and I've made them for my own family. Just add toast!—Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
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Nutella-Stuffed Strawberries
Gourmet strawberries are pricey to order but easy to make. We serve strawberries with hazelnut spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Tangy Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
For a fruit salad that’s delightful, we combine berries and citrus with a honey-lime dressing flecked with poppy seeds. —Carrie Howell, Lehi, Utah
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Cioppino-Mixed Green Salad
Living in California, the "salad bowl" of the United States, I’m inspired to cook nutritious meals like cioppino. Whenever my friends and I get together, this salad—a spin on the classic seafood stew—is the top request. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
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Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake
My grandmother gave me my first cast iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it ever since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee
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Apple-Rhubarb Bread
Rhubarb is such a jewel that I freeze it to have all year. Here’s how my mother used rhubarb – in an apple bread spiced with cinnamon. —Linda Tom, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Tuna Nicoise Salad
Tuna Nicoise salad is a perfect lunch for a weekend or even to make ahead for the work week. Our recipe is traditional with tuna, tomatoes and beans, but is easily adaptable to suit your tastes.
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Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette
On long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
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Rosemary Lemonade
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
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Ham & Feta Omelet
Any excuse to have feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette is a good one! We pile this Mediterranean-inspired omelet with tomatoes for a great get-started breakfast. —Brittany Beus, College Station, Texas
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Walnut-Crusted Ginger Salmon
For those who aren’t wild about fish, this gingery salmon is a game-changer. Baking on foil makes for extra-easy cleanup. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
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Easy Pistachio Tube Cake
Mixes make this light cake easy, and a fluted tube pan gets it holiday party-ready. Go for the pistachios on top—the extra crunch is worth it. —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Flower Petal Sweet Rolls
I adapted this recipe from the back of a frozen dinner roll package. You can prepare the rolls the night before for convenience. Then, bake them in the morning to make a lasting impression on guests as they step into the kitchen and smell the sweet aroma. —Celinda Skogsberg, Tuxedo Park, New York
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Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Our chicken Alfredo lasagna recipe doesn’t contain any ricotta cheese or red sauce. Instead, we swap in an easy homemade Alfredo sauce, shredded rotisserie chicken and three types of cheese.
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Grapefruit Poppy Seed Bread
I had grapefruits handy, so I used the zest and juice for this lovely quick bread. It's got a nice little tang and a tender crumb. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
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Lemon-Raspberry Ricotta Pancakes
I was raised in a home where stacks of freshly cooked pancakes were the norm every Sunday morning. I keep the tradition alive, making pancakes with almond milk, ricotta and raspberries. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
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Two-Berry Pavlova
Here's a light and airy dessert that I first tried in Ireland. When I got home, I made this berry pavlova for my kids, who loved to build their own with their favorite fruits. The whipped cream makes for icing on the cake! —Norma Stevenson, Eagan, Minnesota
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Easy Strawberry Butter
After picking strawberries for the first time, I developed this fruity, spreadable butter. Try making other fruit spreads using raspberries or blackberries, or a seedless jam like apricot—my favorite. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota
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Lemony Zucchini Ribbons
Fresh zucchini gets a shave and a drizzle of lemony goodness in this fab salad. Sprinkle the goat cheese or feta on top and dive in. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Honeydew Salad with Lime Dressing
Green is my favorite color, and this refreshing salad with grapes, cucumber and kiwi is green to the max. If you want more, add green apples and pears. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
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Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
While growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
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Mushroom-Gouda Quiche
For a laid-back Sunday brunch, we make a quiche in no time using refrigerated pie crust. Load it up with mushrooms, aromatic arugula and creamy Gouda. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
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Easy Tres Leches Cake
When we come across a cake recipe described as “easy” that's also a contest-winner, you know we'll be running out to get the ingredients! Thankfully, this easy tres leches cake cuts down on a few ingredients by starting with a simple box of cake mix.
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Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Salad
My mom made the best salads, and that's where my love for them started. I’ve turned her side salads into awesome meals with protein, veggies, nuts and cranberries. —Lindsay Tanner, Cathedral City, California
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Spinach-Egg Breakfast Pizzas
I like my food pretty, and this breakfast pizza is eye-popping. Bring it to the table with a bowl of berries or grapes and café au lait. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Shrimp Avocado Salad
Shrimp avocado salad mixes tender shellfish with fresh vegetables for a cool, protein-filled lunch or easy light dinner.
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Cherry-Chip Oat Scones
My family loves scones and anything with oatmeal. I started with my basic scone recipe and added oat flour to increase the oat taste and texture, then included special ingredients you can find in every bite. Look for add-ins that harmonize with the mellow flavor of oats. —Amy Brnger, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
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Rosemary & Thyme Lemon Pudding Cakes
These simple little cakes are absolutely divine and are perfect with hot tea. Think English tea party! Your guests will love them. — Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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Simple Asparagus Soup
My family and friends love this soup. It's elegant and unusual, but the hardest part of making it is occasional stirring. —Kathryn Labat, Raceland, Louisiana
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Hawaiian Breakfast Hash
Breakfast is our favorite meal, and we love a good variety of dishes. This hash brown recipe is full of flavor and possibilities. Top with some eggs or spinach for an extra twist! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Berry-Topped Coffee Cake
This tasty, wholesome coffee cake is loaded with fresh berries. It's perfect for those with a sweet tooth. —Heather O'Neill, Troy, Ohio
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Rise and Shine Parfait
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
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Fruity Waffle Parfaits
This recipe satisfied all of my cravings for breakfast when I was pregnant. I knew I was getting plenty of nutrition in each serving and it tasted great.—Penelope Wylie, San Francisco, California
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Hash Brown Pancakes with Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream
On weekends when I was growing up, pancakees, salmon and bagels were our brunch staples. Now, I combine the concepts and use whipped cream instead of cream cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Mini Nutella Doughnuts
You can make these bites in advance and refrigerate them before frying. Just be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Greene, Smithtown, New York
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Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs
In my family, Easter isn't complete without deviled eggs. Fresh dill and garlic perk up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers that you'll want to eat on every occasion. —Kami Horch, Calais, Maine
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Shortbread Lemon Tart
For a change from ordinary lemon bars, we added grated orange zest to both the crust and filling to turn the recipe into a lemon tart. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sour Cream-Leek Biscuits
These biscuits are a wonderful pairing for soups. I've made them with all-purpose white flour as well as whole wheat, and both work equally well. —Bonnie Appleton, Canterbury, Connecticut
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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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Chicken Piccata Pockets
My husband loves chicken piccata. I tried it in a puff pastry pocket with a bit of cream cheese; it tasted sensational. When he took leftovers to work, everyone asked what smelled so great. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Apricot-Rosemary Scones
Make these easy sweet-savory scones a family project. It's a delightful way to show your love on Mother's Day. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Baked French Toast
Any day is special when Mom makes one of her French toast recipes, like this do-ahead baked version. —Jill Baughman, New York, New York
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Pork and Asparagus Sheet-Pan Dinner
When time is of the essence, it's nice to have a quick and easy meal idea in your back pocket. Not only is it delicious, but you can clean it up in a flash. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Low and Slow Huevos Rancheros
We love Mexican food, especially for breakfast. My slow cooker version of a favorite, huevos rancheros, is rolled into flour tortillas. It's a perfect way to serve a breakfast crowd. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TexasOriginally Published: February 04, 2019
