We’re delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Cookie Exchange, hosted by Taste of Home and Kelsey Elizabeth! Back in October, Ohio bakery owner Kelsey Shepard invited her Instagram followers to join us in Cleveland on December 5. The 300 tickets sold out in three minutes!

On the night of the Cookie Exchange, talented bakers from across the Midwestand even one from Washington Statebraved snowy roads to attend the party with their six dozen carefully crafted cookies in tow. Everyone nibbled their way through countless snickerdoodles, spritz, gingerbread, rugelach and more, then filled a box with their favorites to take home.

While guests mingled and munched, judges (aka the hosts) scouted out the tastiest, most beautiful cookies in the bunch. It was clear that every cookie and bar was made with love, making it a difficult job. These are the treats they couldn’t stop thinking about, in no particular order.

The Top Cookies

Mini Cranberry Pavlovas

Baked by Devin Trout from Lorain, Ohio

These mini meringue nests were crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, just like a pavlova should be. The judges were smitten with the adorable little jars of homemade cranberry-orange sauce included in Devin’s interactive display.

Decorated Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Baked by Melissa Falk from Avon, Ohio

Melissa describes herself as a decorator first, but her buttery sugar cookies tasted as divine as they looked. She flooded her cutout Christmas trees with royal icing, and scattered edible beads and more icing over the top for a polished design.

An Ode to Lekko Shortbread Cookies

Baked by Alex Welch from Euclid, Ohio

For this year’s cookie exchange, Alex was inspired by a latte at Lekko, her favorite local coffee shop (and “happy place”). She infused a classic shortbread recipe with maple and rosemary flavors, then piped a big ribbon of espresso buttercream on each cookie.

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

Baked by Tracy Pesho from North Royalton, Ohio

Tracy started off on the Cookie Exchange waitlist, and we’re so glad a spot opened up for her! Her dark chocolate cookies were based on a family recipe for Texas sheet cake. Just like their full-size namesake, Tracy’s moist and chewy cookies were slathered with crackly chocolate icing.

Hungarian Nut Roll Cookies

Baked by Lance Jendrusik from Lorain, Ohio

While most cookies at the exchange were round, Lance’s initially stood out to judges because they were cigar-shaped. The tender, flaky cookies were filled with walnuts, making a wonderful combination of textures.

Iced Brown Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Baked by Elizabeth Tittle from Cleveland, Ohio

Elizabeth elevated a classic oatmeal cookie recipe by browning the butter. The result: a rich, nutty flavor. Her iced cookies were some of the biggest at the exchange, but judges ate every crumb.

A giant congratulations to all the winners!

Cookie Exchange 101

The post Announcing the Winners of Our 2024 Cookie Exchange appeared first on Taste of Home.

Grand Prize: Chicken & Green Chile Stuffed Shells

The post Presenting the Winners from Our Make & Take Recipe Contest appeared first on Taste of Home.

Our staff loves to mix and mingle, so were looking for quick recipes that get us out of the kitchen and into the heart of the party.

Tell us about 15-minute munchies that get the party started and 30-minute mainstays that fill the dinner buffet. Have a 5-ingredient salad that gets recipe requests? Jazz up convenience items for a crowd-pleasing dessert? Share the details with us!

Submit your recipe between November 1 and December 31, 2024.

What Were Looking For

• Your creation can be an appetizer, main dish, side dish, dessert or beverage.
• To qualify, the recipe must serve at least eight partygoers.
• Recipes can be semi-homemade, 5 ingredients or less, or quick prep.

Get Inspired by Our Party Recipes

77 Easy Appetizers for Your Next Party

61 Potluck Recipes Ready in 15 Minutes

5-Ingredient Potluck Desserts

The Prizes

Four talented home cooks will have the chance to win:

• Grand prize: $500
• 1st prize: $300
• 2nd prize: $150
• 3rd prize: $75

How to Enter

Submit your recipe by filling out the form below between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

Submit Your Recipe

The post Party in a Pinch Recipe Contest Announcement appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1-1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
• 1-1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 2 large egg, room temperature
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Grand Prize: Holiday Aperol Spritz

The post Presenting the Winners from Our Holiday Cocktail Party Recipe Contest appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can (6-1/2 ounces) minced clams
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/3 cup diced onion
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• Optional: Tartar sauce and lemon wedges

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chicken broth or sherry
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup salted cashews
• Hot cooked rice
• Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Submit Your Recipe

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Pumpkin Mashups Contest Winners

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The post Halloween Recipe Contest Announcement appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 6 bacon strips, diced
• 3 cups cubed peeled potatoes
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups 2% milk
• 8 ounces Velveeta, cubed
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, optional

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds beef stew meat (1-1/4-inch pieces)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 to 4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup Burgundy wine or beef stock
• 3 medium potatoes (about 1-1/3 pounds), peeled and quartered
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, halved
• 1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• Additional water, optional

Ingredients

• 1 can (13.66 ounces) coconut milk
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetable blend
• 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• Cooked jasmine rice
• Minced fresh cilantro, optional

Grand Prize: Chai Butternut Squash Pancakes

Check out our contest page to find our current contest and submit your own recipe for consideration!

The post Presenting the Winners from Our Pumpkin Mashups Recipe Contest appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can (6 ounces) pink salmon, drained, bones and skin removed
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• Lettuce leaves
• 2 whole wheat buns, split
• Sliced tomatoes

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• FILLING:
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 4 large egg yolks
• 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• Dash salt
• TOPPING:
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup blueberry spreadable fruit

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon water
• Optional: Fresh thyme, fresh rosemary and tzatziki sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, halved
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• MAPLE TAHINI SAUCE:
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 pita pocket halves
• Optional: Sliced cucumber, onions and tomatoes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup semolina flour
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Ingredients

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• Dash pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
• BATTER:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup 2% milk
• 3/4 cup chai tea latte concentrate
• 2 large eggs, room temperature, separated
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: maple syrup, butter and chopped walnuts

Ingredients

• 3-1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 12 ounces), divided
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, divided
• 3 cups miniature marshmallows
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin or 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup marshmallow creme
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1 cup crushed miniature meringue cookies

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped shallots
• 2 cups apple cider or juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• RAVIOLI:
• 1 cup mashed cooked butternut squash
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 package (12 ounces) wonton wrappers
• Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans and minced parsley

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cubed peeled butternut squash
• 1 cup cubed fresh pumpkin
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 12 ounces smoked Polish sausage, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 tablespoon minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (11 ounces) Mexicorn, drained
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 milliliters) merlot
• 1 cup orange liqueur
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup sugar, optional
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 medium orange, sliced
• 1 medium apple, sliced
• Ice cubes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 pounds pork baby back ribs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Submit Your Recipe

See Our Newest Recipe Contest Winners

5-Ingredient Contest Winners

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Holidays & Celebrations Winners

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The post Eat More Fruits & Veggies Recipe Contest Announcement appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1-1/2 cups canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups shredded zucchini
• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1-1/2 pounds uncooked shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 12 Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
• 1 cup julienned carrot
• 1 small cucumber, cut into strips

Grand Prize: Sunrise Pancake Casserole

Check out ourcontest pageto learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.

The post Presenting the Winners from Our Make-Ahead Magic Recipe Contest appeared first on Taste of Home.

Grand Prize: Italian Corn Salad

Check out ourcontest pageto learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.

The post Presenting the Winners of Our Cooking with Fire Recipe Contest appeared first on Taste of Home.