Our Best-Loved Grand Prize Winning Recipes

From the Recipe Creator: I bake over 200 of these cupcakes for our church suppers, and we always run out. If you can't find Key lime juice, use lime juice. Just add a tad more sugar. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Garlic, onions, soy sauce and onion soup mix flavor the tender beef in savory hot sandwiches that are served with a tasty rich broth for dipping. The seasoned beef makes delicious cold sandwiches too. —Marilyn Brown, West Union, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Squash was a hard sell with my family until I paired it with pumpkin seeds, cranberries and horseradish. Now they love it! —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: Plump heirloom tomatoes highlight this garden-fresh showpiece, drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing and sprinkled with cheese. It's perfect for an outdoor party and so easy to make! —Kathleen Merkley, Layton, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I make this showstopper for many occasions, slightly changing—or adding—ingredients. I sometimes add toasted coconut between the layers. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: My mother brought this recipe back with her from Hawaii about 25 years ago. The tender meat, pineapple-coconut stuffing and sweet-sour sauce made it a favorite of my family and friends. I keep copies of the recipe on hand to share. —Vicki Corners, Rock Island, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: I won a baking contest with these chunky glazed cookies that are so easy, even novice bakers can pull them off. What makes them special? Fresh cranberries. —Laurie Cornett, Charlevoix, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: My daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: My mother used to prepare this chicken salad with grapes and almonds for an evening meal during the hot summer months. It's my favorite of my mother's chicken salad recipes. You can also serve it as a delicious but quick luncheon or potluck dish. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: Wrap summer-ripe strawberries and creamy filling into these delicate crepes for an elegant brunch entree. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: Cook the onions first so there’s plenty of room on the grill for the chicken skewers. Before serving, give the whole platter a spritz of lemon for a sunshiny delight. —Moumita Ghosh, Kolkata, West Bengal

From the Recipe Creator: Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

From the Recipe Creator: I found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and the crust is beyond buttery. —Jessica Chang, Playa Vista, California

From the Recipe Creator: I combined the tangy tastes of lime and cilantro with cream cheese for this unusual berry pie that showcases seasonal fruit. The ginger cookies add zip to the crust. —Anneliese Barz, Fort Mill, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: My family just about jumps out of bed when the smell of eggs, sausage and buttery pastry hits their noses. This recipe is morning magic. —Misty M. Leddick, Chester, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Salad for breakfast? Absolutely. You can prep everything except the dressing and chill it overnight. In the morning, dress the salad and poach the eggs. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: Kielbasa and sauerkraut star in a tasty filling for these scrumptious stuffed rolls, which make a great dinner with soup or salad. My family also loves leftover bundles right out of the refrigerator for a quick lunch. —Barb Ruis, Grandville, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: These buttery scones dotted with dried cherries and vanilla chips are so sweet and flaky that I sometimes serve them for dessert. —Pam Brooks, South Berwick, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: With so many barbecues in the summer, I created this simple, tasty dish to complement any entree. I like to prepare it earlier in the day and let it marinate, then I just throw it on the grill.—Cathy Godberson, Oakville, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: Bird is the word when it comes to these wings. They’re baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: One of my mother's friends used to bring this over at the holidays, and it never lasted long. With tangy raspberry filling, tender cake and crunchy topping, it has become a favorite at our house. —Amy Mitchell, Sabetha, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: More like a scrumptious dessert than a main dish, this rich French toast is topped with a tangy raspberry sauce and a vanilla sauce that includes ice cream. I cut the croissants into shapes with a cookie cutter for my 4-year-old grandson, Patrick. He even asks for the "ice cream sauce" on pancakes! —June Dickenson Philippi, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico

From the Recipe Creator: After taste testing lots of apple cakes, I’ve found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California.

From the Recipe Creator: I asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont

From the Recipe Creator: I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: These are my favorite muffins to serve with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. Not only are they great for breakfast, they make a tasty dessert or midnight snack. I get lots of recipe requests whenever I serve them. The espresso spread is also super on a bagel. —Janice Schulz, Racine, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Canned beans and cornbread muffin mix speed up the prep on this crowd-pleasing main dish that’s perfect for busy evenings and carry-in dinners. —Jill Pokrivka, York, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe to combine two of my all-time favorites: cheesecake for the grown-up in me and chocolate chip cookie dough for the little girl in me. Sour cream offsets the sweetness and adds a nice tang. Everyone who tries this scrumptious cookie dough cheesecake loves it. —Julie Craig, Kewaskum, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Ever since I tried the maple blondie at Applebee's, I've been determined to figure out the recipe. I tried several variations until I came up with this one, and it's become one of our family favorites. —Pat Parker, Chester, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: This colorful side dish is classic for a reason! It provides a perfect taste of summer when garden-fresh tomatoes are in season, but we enjoy it year-round. My daughter especially loves this dish. —Ila Mae Alderman, Galax, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: Love chocolate? Then this tender, luxurious layer cake is for you. With a ganache glaze and a fabulous bittersweet filling, the indulgence is so worth it. —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: My cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: For an impressive main dish that's not tricky to prepare, try this mouthwatering chicken. With orange juice concentrate, orange juice, lemon juice and marmalade, the pretty sauce has a zesty taste. —TerryAnn Moore, Vineland, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: My children love to bake (and eat) all kinds of banana bread. They make this all by themselves, with just a little help from me to put it in the oven. —Kristin Metcalf, Charlton, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: Nothing compares to the melt-in-your-mouth flavor of these truffles...or to the simplicity of the recipe. Whenever I make them for my family or friends, they're quickly devoured. No one has to know how easy they are to prepare! —Stacy Abell, Olathe, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: I first heard of this distinctive pizza after a friend tried it at a restaurant. It inspired me to come up with my own recipe. The way the slices disappear, there’s no doubt about this pizza’s potatoey goodness. —Barbara Zimmer, Wanless, Manitoba

From the Recipe Creator: Stroll the farmers market and you'll find veggies and cheeses you might not know what to do with. Why not pull them together in one harmonious bunch and make this go-to lasagna when you crave a twist on an Italian favorite? —Samantha Neal, Morgantown, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I have a thing for eggnog and other creamy desserts like s’mores, pudding, mousses and dips. So I turned them into one yummy dip with homemade dunkers. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: These delightful scones are perfect on a cold winter day with a steaming hot cup of coffee. They also make a wonderful hostess gift arranged in a basket. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: I've always loved turkey, dumplings and stuffing, so I combined them and added a punch of Creole flavor. My family loves it, even my little ones. It's got some kick, but a dollop of sour cream can mellow that out. —Relina Shirley, Reno, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: The flavorful filling at the center of these yummy candies tastes like genuine chocolate chip cookie dough…with no worry about raw eggs. That's what makes them so appealing. And they're easy to make. —Lanita Dedon, Slaughter, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: When you really want to impress someone, this scrumptious torte is just the thing to make! Instant coffee granules give the moist chocolate cake a mild mocha flavor, while the fluffy whipped cream layers, blended with brown sugar and crunchy toffee bits, are deliciously rich. —Lynn Rogers, Richfield, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: This extra-special creation came from several attempts to replicate a dessert I enjoyed on vacation. It looks so beautiful on a buffet table that many are tempted to skip the main course in favor of it. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

From the Recipe Creator: This buckle won a contest at my daughter’s college. The prize was four lobsters, but the real reward was the smile on our daughter’s face. —Dianne van der Veen, Plymouth, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: My friends love crunching into the crust—so much like shortbread—and the wildly nutty topping of these chewy, gooey bars. —Barbara Driscoll, West Allis, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: We live in Texas and love the Southwest style of cooking. This taco meat loaf recipe spices up plain ol’ meat loaf! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This colorful, tasty corn salad is an excellent way to perk up a summer picnic. The seasonings add a bold, refreshing Southwestern flavor that brings people back for seconds. It's nice to have a different kind of salad to share. —Helen Koedel, Hamilton, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This no-bake cheesecake with distinctive layers of chocolate, peanut butter mousse and a silky ganache on top will take some time to assemble, but it's worth the effort to create a homemade dessert with grand-champion appeal—and definitely worth the wait. —JaNon Furrer, Prescott, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: Ham, pepperoni, string cheese and manicotti shells make a tasty hands-on recipe that even small children can help prepare. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: I love cheesecake and my husband loves chocolate, so this is a favorite dessert of ours. The rhubarb adds a tartness that complements the sweet flavors so well.—Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Macaroni is baked with smoked Gouda, Swiss, white cheddar, goat cheese and Parmesan and topped with crispy prosciutto—so worth it! —Mya Zeronis, Washington, DC

From the Recipe Creator: Topped with a fluffy frosting and chocolate sprinkles, these extra-rich, extra-delicious cupcakes smell wonderful while baking and taste even better! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: Golden brown and flaky, these bite-sized puff pastries with creamy Brie and sweet cherry preserves could easily double as a scrumptious dessert. —Marilyn McSween, Mentor, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: These cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I've ever tasted … and with six kids, I've made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Enchiladas are a favorite dish in our home. Our little girl, who calls them laladas, especially loves them. This is a really tasty take on the classic southwestern dish. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

From the Recipe Creator: Add whatever you like to this Mexican beef cobbler to make it yours—black beans, sour cream, even guacamole! —Mary Brooks, Clay, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This German chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. It's so silky and smooth, you won't be able to put your fork down. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This mild and meaty southwestern dish combines the delicious flavor of tacos with the heartiness of burritos. Your family is going to love 'em! —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: These pretzel-shaped buttery chocolate cookies are covered in a rich mocha glaze and drizzled with white chocolate. My family goes wild over their chocolaty crunch. They're beautiful to serve and to give as gifts. —Priscilla Anderson, Salt Lake City, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Pork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

From the Recipe Creator: It's hard to resist these adorable deviled trees on our buffet table. The avocado filling has pepperoncini and cilantro for extra zip. —Carmell Childs, Clawson, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I was delighted to find golden beets at the farmers market and knew they'd be perfect in a risotto recipe I was working on. And please, don't forget the baked crispy beet greens...amazing! Move over, main dish! This vibrant side will steal the show. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California