As the oldest of eight girls growing up on the farm, I began cooking at an early age! This soup—which I first had at my sister's house—brings me compliments no matter where I serve it. —Elienore Myhre, Balaton, Minnesota Skip links
“I can put this hearty dish together, make a salad and have supper on the table in 30 minutes flat. It's one of my favorite hurry-up meals-whether making it from scratch or taking the sauce out of the freezer.” Shirley Klinner - Medford, Wisconsin Skip links
I love cooking, but I'm not into fancy gourmet foods. I think it's more challenging to make delicious, down-home foods like this beefy casserole with ingredients easily found in the refrigerator and on my pantry shelves. —Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado Skip links
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan Skip links
When I'm entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can't resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas Skip links
I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter...and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty casserole. Later, I modified it so it has less fat and fewer calories. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota Skip links
Create your own zippy taco seasoning for spicing up Mexican dishes. It's handy and less expensive than buying envelopes of prepared mix from the store. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana Skip links
For big parties, I make glazed meatballs and deliver them in the slow cooker. That way they’re spicy, sweet and ready to eat. —Gail Borczyk, Boca Raton, Florida Skip links
Mother made these fresh-tasting sloppy joes many times when I was growing up. She passed the recipe on to me when I got married. My brother-in-law says they're the best sandwiches he's ever tasted. And he ought to know—his name is Joe! —Ellen Stringer, Bourbonnais, Illinois Skip links
One night I couldn't decide what I wanted more, pizza or hamburgers, so I combined the two. Now my 3 year-old daughter Amelia cheers every time we have pizza burgers! —Anna Rhyne, Anderson, South Carolina Skip links
When my husband and I barbecue with friends, we always bring these, and everyone loves them. They're a favorite accompaniment to almost anything we cook on the grill.—Autumn McNamara, Keego Harbor, Michigan Skip links
I appreciate the fact that this hearty pasta sauce is quick to assemble and cooks in just a few hours. My husband and I have our hands full raising two children and 25,000 game birds on our farm. Skip links
Asparagus is one of my favorite veggies—I grew up in Stockton, California, where there's an annual festival to celebrate it. I like it best stir-fried.—Carolyn Sutter, Orangevale, California Skip links
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas Skip links
I keep these dip ingredients on hand for spur-of-the-moment gatherings. Folks can't resist chewy bread cubes coated with a savory sauce. —Nel Carver, Moscow, Idaho Skip links
This has always been a favorite dish of our Sisters who work in a hospital. When we get back to the convent, it's a quick and easy recipe we've used for years. Served with Italian bread and a tossed salad, it makes an excellent meal. Skip links
