“These peppers are so addictive that if I want any for myself, I either need to make a double batch or hide some,” relates Linda Foreman of Locust Grove, Oklahoma. “The jalapenos are not that spicy after they are baked (I take out the seeds and white membrane), but have a wonderful flavor.”

From her home in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Linda Foreman sends this longtime family-favorite recipe. “It makes the most delicious creamy gravy to serve over pork chops,” Linda writes. “With just a hint of blue cheese flavor, it really tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.” TIP: “I like to serve this special dish with sauteed mushrooms,” Linda adds.

“A butcher gave me great advice on cooking different types of meat," writes Karol Chandler-Ezell of Columbia, Missouri. "Marinating and broiling works really well on very lean cuts like this.” Karol suggests letting the steaks rest for a couple of minutes before serving to preserve moistness.

This tops the list of family requests for dinner. The chicken is moist, flavorful and nicely browned. I alternate using bone-in chicken breasts or skinned and boned breasts.

This pretty pork entree makes a great holiday dish. Topped with cranberry sauce, the pork medallions are light and filling, but they’re so delicious, guests always want more. –Tami Morrison of Kent, Washington

I whipped up this satisfying soup last Thanksgiving for my family, and everyone was crazy about it! Even my brother, who is one of the pickiest eaters I know, asked for seconds. -Kimberly Knepper, Euless, Texas

Our home economists fashion this refeshing dessert to look like a glass of bubbling champagne, making it perfect for New year's Eve.

Simmer up a low-fat, delicious meal with just a few basic ingredients. Your family is sure to love this colorful medley with tender chicken and a zippy cheese sauce. Linda Foreman of Locust Grove, Oklahoma shares the recipe.

"I'm always on the lookout for delicious things to fix for my husband and my 89 year-old mother," shares Linda Foreman of Locust Grove, Oklahoma. "This rich dessert is a winner with everyone."

From Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Linda Foreman suggests this quick steak with sauteed mushrooms and beans and a zesty dipping sauce for cool-weather evenings. To complete the meal, she serves with steak fries, potato salad or pasta and cold beer or wine.

The tang of this salad from Judith Priglmeier rounds out any menu with a splash of color. “Quick and easy is often on my mealtime agenda, so this salad is perfect,” she writes from Aitkin, Minnesota. “Plus, I can make if for a few or an entire crew!”

"My Tex-Mex Pork Chops won a contest for me," writes JoAnn Dalrymple of Claremore, Oklahoma. Salsa, cumin and green chilies give these chops the spunk they need to be called "Tex-Mex."

Vegetables and dip are a mainstay at most holiday parties. I like to dress up this appetizer by cutting vegetables into festive shapes and arranging them as a wreath. It's a nice conversation piece. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana