Food & Receipts

This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it'd be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat. —Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, Illinois,Ingredients4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced new potatoes, undrained2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream...

It takes only three ingredients to create this jazzed-up Yoda soda punch. Instead of vanilla ice cream, try it with lime sherbet for a tropical twist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen,Ingredients1 gallon Hawaiian Punch Green Berry Rush, chilled1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled2 pints vanilla ice creamOptional: Fresh blueberries and lime wedges image/svg+xml Text Ingredients View Recipe,...

Our county is famous for its fabulous Green River melons. While you won’t find this unique and refreshing salad at the county fair, it’s definitely our favorite way to eat watermelon all summer long! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah,Ingredients4-1/2 cups cubed watermelon, divided1/2 cup sweet chili sauce3 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce2 tablespoons lime juice1/2 teaspoon minced fresh...

Michigan is known for its cherries, so we have plenty of opportunities to use them—and this Japanese-style cheesecake is a perfect example! —Laura Kurella, Wellston, Michigan,Ingredients6 tablespoons butter, cubed4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese2/3 cup heavy whipping cream1/4 cup all-purpose flour1/4 cup cornstarch6 large egg yolks, room temperature2 teaspoons vanilla extract1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest12 large egg...

Add a festive touch to your next cup of drinking chocolate. The red velvet pairs nicely with the traditional peppermint and chocolate flavor combination. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor, Culinary,Ingredients4 cups half-and-half cream7 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped2 ounces milk chocolate, chopped1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extractDash saltOptional: Sweetened whipped...

Swedish flop was one of my Gramma Esther's favorites. Found mainly in the Chicago area, this combination of fluffy yeasted cake and buttercream is, like Esther herself, a showstopper. —Shauna Sever, Oak Park, Illinois,Ingredients1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast2/3 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted1/4 cup sugar2 large eggs, room temperature2 teaspoons grated...

When autumn arrives, I'm eager to celebrate with warm and cozy comfort food like this pumpkin clam chowder. Use fresh clams if they are available. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island,Ingredients6 bacon strips, chopped1 medium fennel bulb, chopped, fronds reserved1 medium onion, chopped1/2 cup chardonnay or clam juice5 bottles (8 ounces each) clam juice, divided4 cups cubed fresh pumpkin...

Mexican tea cookies are a holiday favorite in our family. I updated the recipe by frosting them with a buttercream made with dulce de leche. They are tender, crumbly cookies that everyone enjoys. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington,Ingredients1 cup butter, softened1/2 cup confectioners' sugar1/2 cup sugar1 large egg, room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour3/4 cup finely...

This spicy red lentil hummus is a new take on the classic dip. The Brussels sprout topping adds a special touch, but you can serve it without the topping, too. —Carolyn Manning, Seattle, Washington,Ingredients1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed1/4 cup tahini2 tablespoons lemon juice1 tablespoon olive oil3 garlic cloves, halved1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon curry powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2...

This ocean water punch is refreshing and not overly sweet. Use your favorite Kool-Aid mix to switch up the flavor for every season and occasion. —Elizabeth LeBlanc, Bourg, Louisiana,Ingredients1 envelope unsweetened mixed berry Kool-Aid mix2 quarts water3/4 cup sugar Swedish Fish candies, optional1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice, chilled1 liter ginger ale, chilled image/svg+xml Text Ingredients View Recipe,...