I tried this dip at a potluck lunch and loved it. I think it represents my region because of the abundance of fresh fruit grown in California. My family especially enjoys it as a refreshing snack on hot summer afternoons.

We live about 100 miles from Cape Cod, which is known for its cranberries. When we spent a weekend there, we toured the Cranberry World Visitors Center, which is where I found this recipe. When I made it for our fellowship group at church, everyone wanted the recipe. You’ll be surprised it’s so easy to make with just four ingredients.

"I grew up on a farm where a big breakfast was an everyday occurrence," relates Kathy Scott of Hemingford, Nebraska. "Still, it was a special treat when Mom served this scrumptious syrup with our pancakes."

PASTIES were a must years ago when men worked the mines in northern Michigan. The housewives made them in the morning and wrapped them tightly in newspaper so they would stay warm until lunch break. Everyone used to say my mom made the best pasties in the world. This is her recipe. -Vivienne Abraham, Detroit, Michigan

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 runza, and it quickly became a popular dish with my family.

Because my husband is in the Navy, we've lived in many parts of the country and have had the great opportunity of trying different foods in each region. This is a family favorite served with fried potatoes and fruit.

This recipe from my sister-in-law was a big hit at our parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Guests always seem to enjoy the fluffy texture and the tangy flavor from the sliced berries. —Cindy Borg Newfolden, Minnesota

"Our family enjoys fruit of all kinds, so this fluffy dip is one of our favorites," writes field editor Virginia Krites of Cridersville, Ohio.

This thick creamy dessert is a great finale to one of Mom's hearty meals. It has just a hint of almond flavor and looks spectacular with bright-red berries on top. -Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota

For a delightful dessert, Sharon Mensing needs only a handful of ingredients to fix this unusual fruit fondue. "Use grapes, bananas, strawberries and angel food cake cubes as dippers," she suggests from Greenfield, Iowa.