RecipesGhosts in the Graveyard Cake This spooky cake is easy to make and fun to decorate. To save time, bake and freeze the brownies weeks in advance, then thaw at room temperature overnight before decorating.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
RecipesPressure-Cooker Winter Fruit Compote You can make this colorful and easy fruit relish up to a week in advance. It’s an outstanding accompaniment to turkey, chicken or pork throughout the holiday season. —Esther Chesney , Carthage, Missouri
RecipesMashed Potato Casserole I’ve shared this recipe many times with relatives and friends, just as my sister-in-law shared it with me. It can be prepared up to two days in advance.—Margaret Lindberg, Richland, Washington
RecipesStrawberry Tartlets This elegant-looking dessert is easy to make, and the cute wonton “cups” can be made in advance. They’re a different way to present fresh strawberries when entertaining. The recipe is easy to double, too.
RecipesFrozen Pumpkin Dessert This frozen pumpkin ice cream dessert can be prepared and frozen weeks in advance. I’ve found it has more mass appeal than traditional pumpkin pie. —Susan Bennett, Edmond, Oklahoma
RecipesMini Party Burgers We love finger foods in the South. For parties, I make mini burgers in advance and then wrap them in pastry, bake them and serve them with assorted sauces. —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee
RecipesTriple-Layer Vegetable Terrine My family enjoys eating vegetables when they’re pureed and made into a tasty terrine. Although it takes a little time to prepare, this unique cold dish can conveniently be made a day in advance.
RecipesItalian Squash Casserole You can assemble this garlic-kissed veggie dish in advance, but wait to bake it until just before serving. The aroma from the oven will lure everyone in the house to the kitchen.—Paul VanSavage, Binghamton, NY
RecipesMarinated Asparagus Salad A no-fuss side dish is great when entertaining. The asparagus is cooked and chilled in advance, then stands at room temperature in the marinade while I visit and prepare the rest of the meal. —Janice Connelley, Spring Creek, Nevada
RecipesHorn Walnut Cookies It takes only a few ingredients to create these elegant and delicious horns. This is a terrific make-ahead recipe because the dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to seven days. —Loretta Stokes, Philadephia, Pennsylvania
RecipesPork Chops with Apricot Sauce “The apricot preserves bring a very special flavor to the pork. I serve it with good old corn bread, which can be made in advance and tastes great with any meat.” Patricia Swart – Bridgeton, Nersey
RecipesZippy Curry Dip Everyone eats their vegetables when this creamy dip is served alongside them. The curry flavor gets stronger the longer the dip stands, so I like to make it in advance. —Priscilla Steffke, Wausau, Wisconsin
Cooking with Gear & GadgetsThe 6 Best Vitamix Blenders of 2023 From “best budget blender” to “most luxurious,” these are the best Vitamix blenders for every type of home cook. Get the most out of yours by knowing what to look for before making a purchase.
Holidays & Events50 Beach Picnic Recipes You Need This Summer Pack up easy-to-eat beach picnic recipes, including snacks, sandwiches and pasta salads. Everything can be made in advance, will travel in your cooler and can be eaten cold or at room temp. Surf’s up!
RecipesChocolate Rum Balls Roll these truffle-like rum balls in crushed Oreos to get just the right amount of crunch. They can be made three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I also tuck some in the freezer!
RecipesChive Mascarpone Dip with Herbed Pita Chips I have a massive herb garden in the summer, with an abundance of chives. This cream-cheesy dip helps use them up. Make it a few days in advance for best flavor. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire