Make-Ahead

Beat the weeknight clock with these make-ahead recipes! From breakfast to dinner, set yourself up for a tasty meal.

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    Pistachio Palmiers

    My family loves palmiers from the bakery, so I created my own recipe. These have a Middle Eastern twist with...


    Lavender Peach Gelato

    3 reviews

    This sophisticated herbal gelato can be served as an appetizer, a palate-pleaser between courses or a sweet, elegant dessert that...


    Apple-Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

    1 review

    A layer of sweetened cream cheese topped with a tart fruit filling makes this pie popular with family, friends and...


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    Healthy Cheesecake

    This creamy dessert has a mild lemon flavor that offers a refreshing twist to the old-time favorite. —Jean Castle, Comer,...


    Ribbon Icebox Cookies

    2 reviews

    Three ribbons of flavor—cherry, chocolate and poppy seed—combine into one tender Neapolitan-style cookie. My mom made these when we were...


    Not-Fried Ice Cream Cake

    3 reviews

    We created this ice cream cake to mimic the popular dessert in many Mexican restaurants without the deep frying. It’s...


    Baked Chicken Macaroni Casserole

    4 reviews

    Martha St. Clair of Salem, Illinois writes, “I got this recipe from a ladies' circle years ago, and have had...


    Spice-Brined Pork Roast

    1 review

    This brined and barbecued pork roast is unbelievable moist. Adding seasonings to the coals produces an awesome aroma that draws...

    Hearty Muffuletta

    5 reviews

    Famous in Louisiana, a muffuletta is a combo of cold cuts, cheese and olive salad layered into an Italian bread...


    Grilled Turkey Tenderloins

    3 reviews

    Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving anymore. My family grills these tenderloins outside in summer and inside in winter. The friend...


    Light Tiramisu

    2 reviews

    "I call this my 'skinny' dessert," Jackie Newell says with a smile. "It tastes just like the traditional Italian dessert,...


    Strawberry Slush

    "This make-ahead slush is really refreshing on hot summer days," writes Patricia Schroedl of Jefferson, Wisconsin. "Pour lemon-lime soda over...


    Mocha Cheesecake

    1 review

    I've relied on this dessert many times when company comes calling, and it's never let me down. It's simple to...


    Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad

    7 reviews

    Oodles of noodles plus plenty of fresh veggies make Debbie Albright's side dish a real meal-brightener. "I sometimes add extra...


    Raspberry Cocoa Trifle

    6 reviews

    This lovely layered dessert is my husband's favorite. I always make it for our Christmas dinner, but it's excellent after...


    Super Italian Sub

    6 reviews

    I like this flavorful Italian sub recipe that can be made ahead because it lets me relax with family and...


    Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Pie

    5 reviews

    I use the jam made from our farm's plentiful wild raspberries to give this pretty dessert its marbled effect. While...

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    Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

    78 reviews

    Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover...


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    Lemonade Icebox Pie

    79 reviews

    You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth...


    Marinated Shrimp

    5 reviews

    My husband's aunt shared this recipe with me ages ago. Not only is it a Christmas Eve tradition in my...


    Zesty Marinated Shrimp

    7 reviews

    These easy shrimp look impressive on a buffet table and taste even better! The zesty sauce has a wonderful spicy...


    Simple Marinated Shrimp

    17 reviews

    My easy crowd-pleasing recipe is prepared a day ahead of time, cutting down on the need for party-day fuss. I...


    Pineapple Orange Cake

    111 reviews

    This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years...

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    Red Potato and Egg Salad

    14 reviews

    This flavorful red potato salad recipe with egg is the perfect side for summer cookouts. The red potatoes really dress...


    Spinach and Cheese Lasagna Rolls

    7 reviews

    These Italian-inspired roll-ups are fast and fun to make. They may look elegant but are also very kid-friendly. —Cindy Romberg,...


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    Chicken Satay

    3 reviews

    This golden chicken satay recipe is marinated and grilled, then served with a zesty Thai-style peanut butter sauce. —Sue Gronholz,...


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    Banana Bread Cake

    25 reviews

    This banana bread snack cake doesn't need any frosting—just a dusting of powdered sugar. Guests are always amazed that I...


    Taco Pinwheels

    17 reviews

    These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with...


    Italian Pasta Salad

    12 reviews

    This zesty Italian pasta salad recipe combines vegetables and pasta in a creamy dressing. Refreshing and filling, this change-of-pace salad...