Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Onion
Simple recipes that land on the table fast are a lifesaver. I serve skillet pork chops with veggies and, when my husband lobbies, cornbread stuffing. —Tracey Karst, Ponderay, Idaho
Air-Fryer Potato Chips
After I received an air fryer for Christmas, I discovered how simple it is to make potato chips in it. Good chips are an essential, crispy side for lunch. —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Roasted Asparagus
Since asparagus is so abundant here come spring, I like to put it to great use with this recipe. We all look forward to this side dish each year.—Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Vegetable Scrambled Eggs
I like to have friends and family over for a special Sunday brunch, especially when there's a "big game" on television. These colorful scrambled eggs with veggies go perfectly with sausage, toasted English muffins and fresh fruit. —Marilyn Ipson, Rogers, Arkansas
Maple Mustard Chicken
My husband loves this chicken dish. It calls for only five ingredients, and we try to have them all on hand for a delicious and cozy dinner anytime. —Jennifer Seidel, Midland, Michigan
Chorizo and Chickpea Soup
The chorizo sausage adds its own spice to the broth, creating delicious flavor without any extra seasonings. And while it's cooking, the whole house smells delicious. —Jaclyn McKewan, Lancaster, New York
Simple Guacamole
Although this homemade guacamole is pretty basic, it always gets compliments. A jar of salsa makes it a breeze to stir up for an effortless appetizer. It's a classic with crunchy tortilla chips—but it's fantastic as a sandwich topper, too, and so much more. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, Alaska
Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
I created this recipe years ago, after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I bruise the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding to the buttermilk mixture; this releases the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Seasoned Oven Fries
The next time you’re craving fries, opt for these speedy, health-conscious wedges that bake in the oven. They’re just as tasty as deep-fried versions and made with less mess. —Pat Fredericks, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Quinoa with Peas and Onion
Even picky eaters will love this fresh dish. If you don't have freshly shelled peas on hand, you can easily substitute frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Herbed Pork Chops
Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Spinach Rice
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
The classic flavors of peanut butter and bananas come together in this kid- and adult-friendly oatmeal. Debbie Perdue of Westland, Michigan writes, “I tweaked one of my diet recipes to fit my husband's taste buds. We have eaten it many mornings.”
Cilantro Potatoes
Fresh cilantro gives exotic Syrian-style flavor to these easy skillet potatoes. They’re a great complement to Mom’s tangy kabobs. —Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Honey Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are great, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family's favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Easy Asian Beef and Noodles
I created this dish on a whim to feed my hungry teenagers. It's since become a dinnertime staple—and now two of my grandchildren make it in their own kitchens. —Judy Batson, Tampa, FL
Homemade Peanut Butter
We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. When I compared the cost of my own to store-bought, homemade was much cheaper. Plus it's a whole lot tastier, and you know what goes into it! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska
Smoky White Beans & Ham
I had never made or eaten this dish before meeting my husband here in Kentucky. Now I make it at least once a week. I serve it with some homemade sweet cornbread. Delicious! —Christine Duffy, Sturgis, Kentucky
Slow-Cooked Applesauce
This chunky, sweet applesauce is perfect alongside main entrees. Because it's prepared in a slow cooker, you can fix it and forget it before you and the family head out for some winter fun.—Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York
Honey Balsamic Chicken
This balsamic chicken is a recipe I adapted from a cookbook that featured quick and easy recipes. I adjusted the seasonings somewhat and added a bit more honey to better suit my tastes. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Hawaiian Pork Chops
Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? Hampton, Virginia's Michelle Cavalier recommends one of her husband's sweet-and-sour favorites. “This is so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.”
Hard-Boiled Eggs
In the kitchen, it's important to start with something simple, like how to cook hard-boiled eggs. Use this egg recipe in plenty of dishes, or eat them plain for a quick protein fix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Black Bean Burritos
My neighbor and I discovered these delicious low-fat burritos a few years ago. On nights my husband or I have a meeting, we can have a satisfying supper on the table in minutes. —Angela Studebaker, Goshen, Indiana
Simple Pasta Sauce
This is a simple pasta sauce that you can use for more than just spaghetti. Puree this recipe for pizza sauce or a great dipping sauce. I also like to make a variation for bruschetta by omitting the olive oil, using fire-roasted diced tomatoes and simply combining the uncooked ingredients. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving on toasts. —Deborah Markwood, Chester, Virginia
Onion-Garlic Hash Browns
Quick to assemble, this is a simple recipe I’ve cooked many times. Stir in hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. I also like to top the finished dish with a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. —Cindi Hayward-Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
Broiled Parmesan Tilapia
Even picky families will change their minds about eating fish with this toasty, cheesy Parmesan-coated entree. I serve it with mashed cauliflower and a green salad for a low-carb meal everyone loves. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze
I was not a salmon lover until I tried this recipe. Now it is one of my favorite dishes to serve friends. —Rachel Garcia, Arlington, Virginia
Brown Rice with Cranberries and Almonds
I'm always looking to switch things up during the holiday season. This brown rice with cranberries and almonds dish fits the bill as it's on the lighter side and uses ingredients I always have on hand. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Curry Scramble
I have eggs every morning, and this is a great change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand.—Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Make your next pizza night a little healthier with our cauliflower pizza crust recipe. The herbs and cheese add a ton of flavor! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Green Beans Amandine
It's hard to improve on the taste Mother Nature gives to fresh green beans, but Mom has done just that for years using this green beans amandine recipe. I have always thought the crunchy almonds were a super addition. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan
Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches
I always experiment with different herbs on my eggs, since I eat them every morning. This one became one of my favorites! —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Potato Omelet
Even folks who don't care for eggs will like this dish. The comforting tastes of potatoes, onions and garlic come through. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Chicken Orzo Skillet
As a busy homemaker with a home-based business, I try to make quick dinners that are healthy for my husband and two young children. I combined two recipes to come up with this family favorite. —Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York
Tender Salsa Beef
This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Vegetable Barley Saute
This wonderful side dish can easily be turned into a hearty entree by adding cooked chicken.
Pressure Cooker Homemade Chicken Broth
There’s nothing better and more satisfying than making your own chicken broth. You can control the amount of seasoning and salt, so you can customize it for whatever recipes you’re using it in.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced Sandwiches
I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't feel like cooking a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears, and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California
Greens and Beans Turkey Soup
On winter evenings, we like nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup. —Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
Hummus & Veggie Wrap-Up
I had a sandwich similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it.—Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Katie Bandurski