Authentic Pasta Carbonara
I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Caramel Apple Coffee Cake with Walnuts
I created this recipe after a trip to an orchard with my family. This moist cake is full of hearty apples and nuts, while the caramel topping adds a delectable finish. —Sharon Cable, Dyersville, Iowa.
Vibrant Black-Eyed Pea Salad
My black-eyed pea salad reminds me of a southern cooking class my husband and I took while visiting Savannah, Georgia. People go nuts for it at picnics and potlucks. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Grilled Veggie Sandwiches with Cilantro Pesto
I first ate this sandwich while vacationing in Sedona, Arizona, and fell in love with it. When I returned home, I developed this one that tastes just like the original. —Carolyn Phenicie, Titusville, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Pear Hazelnut Tart
As a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough…the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California
Matt's Jerk Chicken
Get ready for a trip to the Islands. You may think jerk chicken is complicated, but really, all it takes is time. Throw on some tunes, grab an icy drink and prepare to be transported. Have a smoker? You can smoke the chicken first and finish it on the grill. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey
Greek Tilapia
While on a trip through the Greek islands, my husband and I had a dish that we loved. I tried to duplicate it by combining several different recipes and came up with this. —Sally Burrell, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Roasted Grape Crostini
A trip to Spain introduced me to its culinary treasures, like Manchego cheese and sherry. This appetizer always impresses folks who’ve never tasted roasted grapes. They're amazing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl
I had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia
Maple Syrup Pie
Everyone in New Hampshire loves maple syrup almost as much as we do in Vermont. When my husband and I took a road trip through New Hampshire we discovered this pie at a number of diners and restaurants. We loved it so much we created our own version. —Laurie Herr, Westford, Vermont
Hawaiian Hash
I like the combination of ginger, pineapple and macadamia nuts, plus this dish brings back memories of an island vacation.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Cherry Cream Pie
A favorite vacation spot in Wisconsin—Door County (in the "thumb" of the state)—is known for its abundance of cherry orchards, and that's where this cream pie recipe originated. We think it's a delectable dessert, with a nutty crumb crust, real whipped cream and, of course, cherry pie filling. —Carol Wencka, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Greek Veggie Tartlets
This recipe started out as a salad, which I re-created after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve the mixture in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer! —Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida
Toasted Hazelnut and Chocolate Ice Cream
The flavors in this ice cream take me back to European vacations I've enjoyed in the past. I am a big hazelnut fan, and who doesn't like chocolate? I've been caught red-handed eating Nutella out of the jar with a spoon! —Laura Majchrzak, Hunt Valley, Maryland
Corn Fritter Waffles with Spicy Maple Syrup
My family used to vacation at a resort in Vermont that served corn fritters with maple syrup. Now when I serve these waffles for breakfast or supper, I'm transported back to those simple days of childhood. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Key Lime Cupcakes
I made these light, tangy cupcakes on a chilly day to remind me of our vacation in southern Florida, where Key lime pies are star attractions. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Parisian Chicken Bites
When a friend of mine returned from a trip to Paris, she raved about the food she had and described one of her favorite meals. It inspired me to create a similar hors d’oeuvre. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Crab Quiche with Hollandaise
I discovered this quiche at a diner during a motorcycle road trip with my husband. It was so amazing, I worked to duplicate it back home. Our family loves the results. —Amy Knight, Lake Linden, Michigan
Maple-Glazed Chicken Wings
Some wonderful maple syrup I brought back from my last trip to Vermont inspired my recipe. These wings have been a hit with family and friends. They're very versatile—use them for TV snacks, hors d'oeuvres for parties or showers, or appetizers—or double or triple the recipe and make the wings a main dish you can serve with a salad or corn on the cob on the side. —Janice Henck, Clarkston, Georgia
Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding
Tembleque, or coconut pudding, brings back so many memories of the days my family would vacation in Puerto Rico to see my relatives. It was one of my favorite things to eat—I'm sure it will become a much-loved recipe with your family, as well. —Linette Serenil, Upland, California
Cajun Pork and Rice
I created this recipe upon returning home from traveling. With little food in the house, I used what was there. My husband loves this dish because it's tasty, and I love it because it's easy. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
Aloha Brittle
A vacation to Hawaii inspired me to create this mouthwatering brittle. Coconuts, macadamia nuts and pecans make my tropical-tasting recipe deliciously different.
Pulled BBQ Pork
After years of vacationing on the North Carolina coast, I became hooked on their pork barbecue. The version I developed is a favorite at potluck dinners. —Joseph Sarnoski, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Michigan Cherry Salad
This recipe reminds me what I love about my home state: apple picking with my children, buying greens at the farmers market and tasting cherries on vacations. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Spicy Tomato Steak
My family loves this spicy tomato dish. I came up with the recipe about 25 years ago, after eating a similar dish on vacation in New Mexico. I came home and tried to duplicate it from memory, with delicious results! —Anne Landers, Louisville, Kentucky
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
During a beach vacation, in an effort to cook our entire meal outside on the grill, I made our not-so-simple veggie choice into a simple grilled side dish. For spicier sprouts, season with red pepper flakes —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Chocolate Velvet Dessert
This creamy concoction is the result of several attempts to duplicate a dessert I enjoyed on vacation. It looks so beautiful on a buffet table that many folks are tempted to forgo the main course in favor of this chocolaty treat. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
Honey-Pecan Baked Cod
One night at dinner, while vacationing in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we tried a pecan-encrusted trout that we've tried to re-create. We enjoy this tasty version with fresh or frozen cod often. —Lana German, Lenoir, North Carolina
Shrimp & Broccoli Brown Rice Paella
Years ago my husband and I were vacationing in France and came across an open market where a man from Spain was making paella in a skillet; we've been hooked ever since. I love to whip this up for a large group, but if the gathering is small, I know I can easily freeze leftovers for another time. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Cinnamon-Pear Rustic Tart
I was lucky enough to spend the holidays with my husband's family in Montana. I loved the rustic simplicity of each dish we tasted, especially this rustic pear tart my mother-in-law made. —Leah Waldo, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Hungarian-Style Green Beans
A vacation to Hungary inspired this flavorful side of green beans with paprika and mushrooms. Being a vegetarian, I welcome these tasty ideas. —Sherry Johnston, Green Cove Springs, Florida
Cozumel Red Snapper Veracruz
Cozumel, Mexico, is home to magnificent Veracruz-style red snapper. You can't bring it home, so create your own. Try parchment paper instead of the foil packet. —Barb Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Lemon Gelato
On a recent trip to Italy, I became addicted to gelato. My favorite choice was lemon because Italian lemons have an intense flavor. This recipe brings back memories of our vacation. —Gail Wang, Troy, Michigan
Finger-Lickin'-Good Shrimp
My husband and I were vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico when we happened upon a terrific restaurant that served shrimp wrapped in bacon. Though I've changed them slightly, these delicious appetizers are enjoyed by everyone who tries them. —Sandi Solari, Manteca, California
Southwest Salad
Friends served us this wonderful salad when we were vacationing in Arizona. My husband particularly liked the fresh-tasting citrus-flavored dressing, and asked me to be sure to get the recipe. It's since become one of our family's favorites. We think it's especially good served with a chicken casserole. —Sharon Evans, Clear Lake, Iowa
The post 36 Recipes We Brought Back from Vacation appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lisa Kaminski