Easy Puppy Chow
This easy puppy chow recipe uses whole packages so there are no fussy leftovers. Plus, it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Baked Potato Soup
I found our favorite soup in an unexpected place—a children's cookbook! This creamy comfort food is not only delicious but also scaled down to make a small amount that's perfect for my husband and me. —Linda Mumm, Davenport, Iowa
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Doughnuts
Guests will have a touch of nostalgia when they bite into one of these old-fashioned doughnuts. Accents of nutmeg and cinnamon, along with a subtle burst of lemon, make them hard to resist. — June Jones, Harveyville, Kansas
Smash Burgers
The best smash burger recipe comes with being liberal with the kosher salt—it's beef's best friend, trust me. Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. Now is not the time to cut the calories or skimp on the salt. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Caramel Chex Mix
This wonderfully crunchy snack is loaded with cereal, pretzels and nuts—and coated with a not-too-sweet brown sugar mixture. Package this up as gifts, or set out a bowl at your party and watch it disappear by the handful. —Samantha Moyer, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Sausage French Bread Pizza
I never seem to have pizza dough on hand, but that doesn't stop our family from enjoying pizza. We top crusty French bread with creamy Alfredo sauce, sausage and veggies. It's great to serve at a party for children or teens. —Cherie Sweet, Evansville, Indiana
Cherry Hand Pies
There's nothing better than a sweet, from-scratch delight like traditional cherry pie. These precious little hand pies always go fast when I sell them at my pie bakery! —Allison Cebulla, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Movie Theater Pretzel Rods
My kids and all of their friends clamor for the large, chewy pretzel rods. They are fantastic fresh from the oven. —Lisa Shaw, Burnettsville, Indiana
Spaetzle Dumplings
These tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can use this spaetzle recipe with chicken gravy or simply buttered and sprinkled with parsley. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Kansas Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Frosted Banana Bars
These bars are always a hit at potlucks in the small rural farming community where my husband and I live. I also like to provide them for coffee hour after church. They're so moist and delicious that wherever I take them, they don't last long. —Karen Dryak, Niobrara, Nebraska
Peach Crumble Bars
My favorite way to enjoy these bars is to eat one while sitting on the porch with an iced tea in hand. Make them for any occasion; they will be gobbled up quickly. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Cheese Chicken Soup
Kids won’t think twice about eating the vegetables that are incorporated into this creamy and cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
Best Angel Food Cake
For our daughter's wedding, a friend made this lovely, airy cake from a recipe she's used for decades. It really is one of the best angel food cake recipes I've found. Serve slices plain or dress them up with fresh fruit. —Marilyn Niemeyer, Doon, Iowa
Monster Cookies
This recipe combines several favorite flavors—peanut butter, butterscotch and chocolate—in one big cookie. Before baking, I like to press a few extra M&M's on top for added color. —Patricia Schroedl, Jefferson, Wisconsin
Rich Fruit Kuchens
This German classic is such a part of our reunions, we designate a special place to serve it. Five generations flock to the "Kuchen Room" for this coffee cake. —Stephanie Schentzel, Northville, South Dakota
Mackinac Fudge
When I got married, a lady at my parents’ church gave me this version of a popular Michigan treat. I sometimes pipe a bit of frosting on each piece for decoration during the holidays. —Kristen Ekhoff, Akron, Indiana
Wisconsin Butter-Basted Burgers
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish
Instead of the ever-popular garlic mashed potatoes, this unusual recipe calls for prepared horseradish. The zippy side dish would be fantastic with roast beef. —Cynthia Gobeli, Norton, Ohio
Stuffed Iowa Chops
Here's a hearty dish for big appetites. The corn and apples make a tasty stuffing for the chops. —Judith Smith, Des Moines, Iowa
Cast-Iron Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
I love this cast-iron banana bread because it cooks evenly every time. The end result is so moist and delicious! —Ashley Hudd, Holton, Michigan
Easy Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
I love this easy pot roast Crock-Pot recipe for a couple of reasons. First, it's delicious. Second, it's easy! I can't describe the feeling of walking into my house after work and smelling this dish that's been simmering in the slow cooker all day. There's nothing better. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Crackled Cranberry Pecan Cookies
Cranberries, orange and nuts make one of my favorite flavor combinations, and this special drop cookie fits in particularly well at holiday potlucks. For a fruitcake-type cookie, use a mixture of dried fruits and substitute rum flavoring for half the vanilla. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
French-Fry Bake
When a friend brought this to a gathering at church, I simply had to ask for the recipe—what a fast and fun way to serve potatoes! It's always good to find a recipe that can sneak in a few extra veggies; the kids never find the carrots hidden inside this one. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Rice Pudding
For an old-fashioned sweet treat just like Grandma used to make, try this slow-cooker rice pudding. It has a rich cinnamon flavor and is made wonderfully light after whipped cream is stirred in at the end. —Jennifer Bennett, Salem, Indiana
Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
After having a salad like this at a restaurant years ago, I came up with this recipe. It is especially good when the spinach comes right from the garden to the table.
Cherry Cranberry Pinwheels
“With the combination of cranberries, cherries, orange zest and cinnamon, these festive cookies are as fragrant as they are flavorful,“ promises Deb Perry from Bluffton, Indiana.
Slow-Cooker Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup
Using the slow cooker takes some of the effort out of making from-scratch meals. The long cook time helps develop great homemade flavor in this Crock-Pot chicken and rice soup. —Kevin Bruckerhoff, Columbia, Missouri
Easy Deviled Eggs
After wondering how to make deviled eggs for years, I stumbled across this recipe. It comes from the Durbin Inn, a well-known restaurant in Rushville, Indiana from the 1920s until it closed in the late '70s. The eggs are delicious, and it's easy to make more for larger gatherings. —Margaret Sanders, Indianapolis, Indiana
Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Cake
My great-aunt gave me this rhubarb cake recipe. It's especially delicious when rhubarb is in season, and tastes even better with the old-fashioned milk topping. But you'll love it even with frozen rhubarb and "modern-day" whipped topping! —Mairlyn Homola, Hazel, South Dakota
Best Ever Sweet Pickles
I pack away homegrown cucumbers every summer. This recipe is based on the pickled veggies in Brown Eggs and Jam Jars by Aimee Wimbush-Bourque, but I’ve made it less mustardy and more garlicky to fit my family’s tastes. This method keeps them incredibly, refreshingly crunchy. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Taste of Home Digital Deputy Editor
Lemon-Batter Fish
My husband ranks this recipe as one of his favorites. A lot of fishing takes place in our area, which makes this a good choice for a regional recipe. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Fast Macaroni Salad
Chopped veggies provide crunch, and cherry tomatoes add vibrant color to this refreshing and creamy pasta salad. —Frankiee Bush, Freedom, Indiana
Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
It was so fun to experiment with this brownie recipe. When my daughter tasted the final version, she told me they were the best brownies ever! Now that sure makes a mom feel good. —Dion Frischer, Ann Arbor, MI
Badger State Stuffing
Your family will love the contrasting sweet, savory, and slightly tart flavors in this spin on a Thanksgiving classic. Feel free to use your favorite beer or dried fruit to make the dish your own. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Peanut Cheesecake Bars
You won’t hear any complaints about these rich peanut butter cheesecake bars layered with a can’t-miss combination of flavors. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Cheesy Broccoli Soup in a Bread Bowl
This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
Molded Strawberry Salad
This refreshing salad has two layers - a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. -Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois
Apple Betty with Almond Cream
I love making this apple betty for friends during the peak of apple season. I plan a quick soup and bread meal, so we can get right to the dessert! —Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois
Maple & Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts
For special meals, here’s a fantastic side dish that even children will love. The sweet maple syrup and smoky bacon complement the Brussels sprouts perfectly. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
10-Cup Cookies
My mother used to make this easy 10-cup cookie recipe for my sisters and me. You could find one of our favorite ingredients in every bite, whether it was chocolate, coconut, raisins or nuts. —Tracy Powers, Byron Center, Michigan
Buckeye Pie
Everyone that eats this pie raves about it! You can cover the whole top with ganache, but leaving part of the filling bare is the traditional way to make it. —Mary Northrup, Alpine, New York
Kansas City-Style Ribs
Our family recipe for ribs has evolved to near perfection. These country-style beauties are a legend in our close circle. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Skillet Cabbage
I use this dish often when the schedule gets tight and I need a "hurry up" vegetable to cook. It adds plenty of substance to a simple meal.
Country Roasted Chicken
This Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family's favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan
Dirt Dessert
Perhaps “Down and Dirty Dessert” would be a better name for this delicious concoction, because you're going to want to put a spoon in each hand and go to town! This sweet dirt recipe is just that good! —Kristi Linton, Bay City, Michigan
Cincinnati Chili
Cinnamon and cocoa give a rich brown color to this hearty Cincinnati chili. This dish will warm you up on a cold day. —Edith Joyce, Parkman, Ohio
Pecan Kringle Sticks
My family loves this Kringle's flakiness and that it's not too sweet; it just melts in your mouth. It makes a beautiful presentation on a cookie platter, cut on an angle along with other holiday sweets. —Connie Vjestica, Brookfield, Illinois
Autumn Pork Roast
Although this main meal captures the fabulous flavor of fall, don't hesitate to serve it throughout the year. Your family will flock to the table when they smell this delicious roast. It's a hearty dish that makes everyday dinners more special.—Kathy Barbarek, Joliet, Illinois
Deep-Fried Candy Bars on a Stick
Why wait in line at the state fair for deep-fried candy bars when you can satisfy your curious taste buds in your very own home? Be sure to make a lot—these novelties go fast! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Midwestern Meat Pies
When I moved to the Midwest in 1966, I discovered many ethnic foods that I had never heard of before. One of my friends introduced me to this runza recipe, and it quickly became a popular dish with my family. —Dolly Croghan, Mead, Nebraska
Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls
It was an abundance of dill in my garden that led me to try this. My family liked the taste so much that, from then on, I made my old fashioned cabbage rolls recipe with dill. This is how to make easy cabbage rolls. – Florence Krantz, Bismarck, North Dakota
Chocolate Pecan Pavlova
This chocolate pavlova will definitely capture your taste buds! This recipe is one of my family's favorites—especially at the holidays. Although it may take a little longer to make and assemble, it is truly worth the work. It's a rich-tasting, light dessert that everyone will enjoy. —Nancy Preussner, Dehli, Iowa
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Apple donuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider donut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Meat Loaf with Oatmeal
A simple blend of seasonings results in a hot and hearty meat loaf that's big on flavor and very satisfying. —Lauree Buus, Rapid City, South Dakota
Caramel-Pecan Monkey Bread
The kids will get a kick out of pulling off gooey pieces of this delectable monkey bread. It's hard to resist the caramel-coated treat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Church Supper Hot Dish
This recipe was in my mother's church cookbook, and now it's in my church cookbook! Apparently is was too good to miss a generation. I often make this dish to take along to potlucks...and it seems that if I don't, someone else will! It's hearty and so tasty! —Norma Turner, Haslett, Michigan
Cookie Sticks
If you have a craving for cookies and you want them now, these yummy strips take just a few minutes to make from start to finish. —Kathy Zielicke, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Ground Venison Burgers
Even folks who aren't fans of ground venison recipes will enjoy these zippy burgers, deliciously topped with pepper cheese and a cool lime-mustard mayonnaise. My son, who's an avid hunter, gave me this super venison burger recipe. —Jerry Honeyager, North Prairie, Wisconsin
Party Cheese Balls
These tangy cheese balls are guaranteed to spread cheer at your next gathering. The ingredients create a colorful presentation and a savory combination of flavors. —Shirley Hoerman, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Chocolate & Peanut Butter Crispy Bars
To make a dairy-free dessert, I created chocolate peanutty bars. My kids and their friends gobble them up. I've written about it on my blog, joyfulscribblings.com. —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas
Caramelized Ham & Swiss Buns
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Sugar Cream Pie
I absolutely love Indiana sugar cream pie; especially the one that my grandma made for me. Here, we serve it warm or chilled and call it "Hoosier" sugar cream pie. —Laura Kipper, Westfield, Indiana
Best Ever Banana Bread
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of my best banana bread recipe. It really is that good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Homemade Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
Since I live near Chicago, I've managed to sample more than my share of deep-dish pizzas. This recipe lets you re-create the best of my town—right in your town! —Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois
State Fair Cream Puffs
The Wisconsin Bakers Association has served this cream puff recipe at our state fair since 1924. —Ruth Jungbluth, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Sauerkraut Hot Dish
We often serve this hearty dish at family gatherings, and the men especially seem to enjoy it. My sister gave me the recipe about 15 years ago. It’s been a favorite ever since. The unusual blend of ingredients is a pleasant surprise. —Nedra Parker, Dunbar, Wisconsin
Chicago-Style Hot Giardiniera
I've been living in Chicago for the last 12 years and have grown to love the spicy giardiniera served at restaurants. So I developed my own to use at home. We love it on everything from eggs to sandwiches and even pizza! —Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois
Deep-Fried Cheese Curds
Cheese curds or cubes dipped in flour and beer, then fried, need only a good supply of crinkly toothpicks to turn them into a vanishing act. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen preparing her amazing beef dip sandwiches. They always made our house smell like an Old World Italian restaurant. And as good as the aroma was, somehow the taste was even better! Set out a jar of giardiniera for spooning on top. —Kira Vosk, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chippers
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet-and-salty snack, which uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate, too. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Fruit & Nut Baked Oatmeal
In my part of the Midwest, baked oatmeal is a Mennonite speciality. My daughters are always delighted if we have leftovers for them to take home.—Fancheon Resler, Albion, Indiana
Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Meat is a hard sell with my teenage daughter, unless I make it look like a restaurant dish. Drizzle ranch dressing or barbecue sauce on top, and it's a home run. —Donna Carney, New Lexington, Ohio
Meat Lover's Pizza Hot Dish
I make this hearty casserole for the men who help us out during harvest time. Every year they say it’s the best, hands down. Throw in any pizza toppings your family likes—Canadian bacon, black olives and green peppers are some of our picks. —Brook Bothun, Canby, Minnesota
Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs
Rich and creamy, this classic meatball sauce is a must in your recipe box. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Midwest Mary
In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Kringle
Be generous like Scrooge was as a changed man at the end of Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol, and share the bounty of your kitchen with friends and neighbors. This recipe makes four kringles, so you'll have three to give and one to keep. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Midwest Meatball Casserole
I've relied on this recipe many times as a soothing finish to a hectic day...and since I usually have all the ingredients on hand, there's no last-minute rush to the store, either. —Judy Larson, Greendale, Wisconsin
Chicken and Wild Rice Bake
This recipe is a great example of Midwest food! Its ingredients, including the wild rice, can all be found in Minnesota. The dish is good for larger groups since the cook doesn't need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. —Suzanne Greenslit, Merrifield, Minnesota
Blueberry-Orange Muffins
This recipe was given to me some time ago, and I've used it often since. In fact, it's so good that it won first prize at a county fair! Blueberries are plentiful here in the Midwest, and this is a delicious way to prepare them. —Irene Parry, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Brats with Sauerkraut
I've made many variations of this excellent main dish. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored, served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. It would be popular at a party or potluck.
Rhubarb Torte
Each year when Grandmother asked what kind of birthday cake I'd like, I always said I wanted her rhubarb torte. —Lois Heintz, Holmen, Wisconsin
Stovetop Hot Chocolate
My mom created this stovetop hot chocolate recipe to serve large groups of carolers and frozen sledders. I take it to the lounge during a long winter to warm their spirits! This economical recipe could easily be warmed and served in a slow cooker. Flavor extracts could be added to the hot chocolate, too. —Mary Nine, Indianapolis, Indiana
Porcupine Meatballs
These well-seasoned porcupine meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are one of my mom's best main dishes. I used to love this meal when I was growing up. I made it at home for our children, and now my daughters make it for their families. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Hearty Beef & Cabbage Pockets
I found a similar recipe many years ago and experimented with my own version until I had it just right. If you can't find the frozen rolls, you can use a homemade dough. —Elaine Clark, Wellington, Kansas
Freezer Sweet Corn
People ask me how to freeze corn on the cob because my frozen corn tastes as good as fresh! This way it stays crisp-tender and now I can have "fresh" corn any time of the year. —Judy Oudekerk, St. Michael, Minnesota
Potluck Pumpkin Torte
A local newspaper featured this potluck-friendly recipe years ago. A creamy alternative to pumpkin pie, it quickly became one of my favorites. —Peggy Shea, Lowell, Indiana
Candy Bar Apple Salad
This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Fair-Favorite Corn Dogs
Bring the county fair home to your kitchen with these summer-ready corn dogs. A tip for dipping: Pour the batter in a tall Mason jar and dunk your dogs to create an even coating all around. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Michigan Cherry Pie
This tart Michigan cherry pie is delicious with the streusel topping but even better crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan
Oktoberfest Pork Roast
This recipe was adapted from one my mom used to make when I was growing up. It has all of our favorite "fall" flavors, such as apples, pork roast, sauerkraut and potatoes. I often coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent the potatoes and meat from sticking.—Tonya Swain, Seville, Ohio
Homemade Polish Pierogi
My mother made many dozens of these and measured ingredients using the palm of her hand. We've passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana
Touchdown Brat Sliders
It's game time when these mini sausage sliders make an appearance. Two things my husband loves—beer and brats—get stepped up a notch with crunchy flavored chips. —Kirsten Shabaz, Lakeville, Minnesota
Apples 'n' Cream Pancake
This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch—because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples...they make this a true Midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio
Rum Balls
Rum flavor comes through nicely in these traditional, no-bake rum balls. I like to make a few dozen at a time and give them to my neighbors for Christmas—Audrey Larson, Bloomington, Minnesota
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a comforting and cherished Midwest dish. It's amazing when grilled, and my recipe adds a few unexpected ingredients to make it taste even more like summertime. —Caitlin Dawson, Monroe, Ohio
Cheese Batter Bread
Hearty breads are very much a part of our Midwest heritage. This bread has a unique flavor and is a family favorite.
Chili Michigan Dogs
From the smallest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. They’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
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Caroline Stanko