My mother used to prepare this salad for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It also serves well as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. You can't beat the tasty combination of chicken, grapes and almonds. -Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Fresh asparagus stars along with bacon, onion and Swiss cheese in this hearty quiche. Field editor Mary Ann Taylor of Rockwell, Iowa sent the recipe.

These hearty treats are great for an after-school snack or to share with friends. With a glass of cold milk, they’re an irresistible snack. —Frances Pierce, Waddington, New York

I adapted this recipe over the years for my family, and they think it’s wonderful. Not only are the muffins delicious, but they’re bursting with fantastic color, too. — Jeanne Bilhimer, Midland, Michigan

A package containing this buttery, sweet-tart bread and its recipe was dropped at our doorstop one evening during the holidays. It was so tasty and festive that it has become a tradition at our house. Now we also leave the same gift on many doorstops throughout the Christmas season. -Heidi Naylor, Boise, Idaho

"Berries add such wonderful flavor to recipes," notes Paula Marchesi of Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania. "This moist roast is perfect for special dinners. Slices are particularly tasty when served with the cooking juices."

"NEBRASKA, where I grew up, is a farming state, and we always had lots of vegetables at our table. This recipe has got to be one of the easiest and best-tasting ways to serve cauliflower. I have to admit that cauliflower is not a favorite vegetable with a lot of people—especially children—and that's why the addition of cheddar cheese makes it a winner every time!"

A friend shared this recipe, which has become an all-time favorite of mine. It's so versatile—I've substituted different cookies (macaroons or chocolate chip) ice cream and chips with delicious results. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas (Reader used crisp Italian macaroons instead of shortbread cookies.)

Field editor Kelly Ward Hartman of Cape Coral, Florida shares these sweet and salty gems. “The night before, I measure out the pretzels, peanuts, raisins and chocolate (I’ve even used a leftover hollow Easter bunny). Assembly goes quickly the next day.”

Rich, creamy and laced with wine, this chicken-and-pasta main dish is a favorite with Elaine Moser’s family in Spokane, Washington. Who’d guess it’s so quick and easy? COOKING CAPERS. Capers are the small, green flower buds of a bush that grows all over the Mediterranean area. Pickled in wine, vinegar or brine, capers lend a salty, lemony flavor to sauces, salads, veggies and main dishes. They can be found on grocery store shelves with olives and pickles.

“My mother used to serve these savory herb potatoes when I was growing up, and she included the recipe in a cookbook she made for me when I got married,” writes Jenelle Piepmeier of Severna Park, Maryland. “They fill the kitchen with a heavenly aroma.”

This rich cheesy lasagna has become one of my specialties. It's packed with fresh-tasting vegetables like spinach, carrots, red pepper and broccoli. I'm never afraid to serve the colorful casserole to guests, since it's always a huge success. -Kimberly Kneisly, Englewood, Ohio

Kathy Barry of Lake Forest, California recalls: “This hearty dish was always a family favorite when I was growing up. Mom called the tender chops 'fried monkey ears'! Now it's a favorite meal with my own family.”

Flecks of zucchini give a third dimension to the popular lemon and poppy seed combination in this moist quick bread from Carol Funk. She's a field editor from Richard, Saskatchewan.

“We enjoy Mexican Pork Chops over rice to catch the spicy sauce,” says Nancy Negvesky of Somerville, New Jersey. “You can use mild, medium or hot salsa. If the pork chops are too spicy hot, you can eliminate the cumin-chili powder rub.”

“I love brownies," says Edie DeSpain of Logan, Utah, "and this recipe makes a luscious, after-dinner dessert that’s so simple to prepare. Get ready for mega compliments…and no leftovers!”

Frosty and impressive, this versatile ice cream cake is pretty enough for company, simple enough for a weeknight treat. Kathy Morrow in Hubbard, Ohio suggests you try food coloring to tint the whipped topping or use different flavors of ice cream, extracts and cookie or candy crumbs to suit different holidays or occasions!

It’s fun to watch my friends eat these meatballs for the first time. They’re pleasantly surprised to find melted cheese in the middle. These meatballs are also great in a hot sub sandwich.

MY MOTHER served noodles with cottage cheese as a main dish on many a meatless Friday. I altered the recipe a little as a side dish, but it still makes a good main dish. I especially like to serve it with Swiss steak...the special blend of flavors makes it companionable to any meal, though. -Elizabeth Ewan, Cleveland , Ohio

“This may not be a true Reuben, but the taste is still fantastic and it’s easy to make. I like to serve this bake with homemade soup.” —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Simple Lime Mousse is the perfect pairing of zesty lime and fluffy whipped cream. "It's light and refreshing, especially after a meal that's left your taste buds tingling," assures field editor Shirley Glaab of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

"My father is very opinionated- especially about food, and this recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it!" Melissa Taylor Higley, Arizona

I found the recipe for this creamy and refreshing dessert in an old cookbook. Made in an ice cream freezer, it's wonderful for family gatherings. We love how it tastes like a berry-topped cheesecake. —Karen Maubach Fairbury, Illinois

"A friend shared this delicious recipe with me," writes Jean Andrea from Burkesville, Kentucky. The crisp yet chewy cookies are bound to satisfy big and little kids alike, "They're a hit wherever I take them," Jean adds.

We make these cutouts every Christmas and give lots of them as gifts. Last year, we baked a batch a week all through December to be sure we'd have plenty for ourselves, too. These rich cookies melt in your mouth! — Kim Hinkle, Wauseon, Ohio