Make-Ahead

Beat the weeknight clock with these make-ahead recipes! From breakfast to dinner, set yourself up for a tasty meal.

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    Cream of Butternut Soup

    Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and a little sherry do an incredible job of seasoning this slightly sweet butternut soup. After I...


    Peppermint Cheesecake on a Stick

    Surprise guests with a fun holiday treat—dipped cheesecake wedges you can eat without a fork. Whenever my son has one,...


    Church Window Cookies

    These church window cookies might be our most visually stunning, and they don’t even require baking! Here's how to make...


    Shrimp Cakes with Spicy Aioli Sauce

    I made these for our staff Christmas party last year; they were such a hit that I was flooded with...


    Pumpkin-Swirl Cheesecake

    A gorgeous, marbled pumpkin-swirl cheesecake will be the star of the show at your next fall gathering.


    Baked Elephant Ears

    My mother-in-law handed down this recipe from her mother. These are a special treat—even better, I think, than those at...


    Berry Pinwheel Cake

    Perfect for special meals, this lovely chiffon cake is a nice change from strawberry pie or shortcake. Don't be afraid...


    Strawberry Tunnel Cake

    My son doesn’t like traditional birthday cakes and always asks for something with strawberries for the occasion. I hit the...

    Sensational Slush

    Colorful and refreshing, this sweet-tart slush has become a family favorite. I freeze the mix in 2- and 4-cup containers...


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    Pinwheels

    Tortilla pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing, classic party food. Plus, the recipe is endlessly versatile!


    Coffee Lover’s Mini Cheesecakes

    Everyone in my family knows how much I adore cheesecake. Anyone who wants one made comes to me because they...


    Grilled Firecracker Potato Salad

    I can eat potato salad like crazy. A little spice is nice, so I use cayenne and paprika in this...


    Tomato Galette

    I found beautiful heirloom tomatoes and had to show them off. In this easy galette, the tomatoes are tangy and...


    Fruity Croissant Puff

    I got this recipe from a good friend. Sweet, tart, tender and light, it tastes like a Danish.—Myra Aimer, Tuttle,...


    Layered Lemon Dessert Squares

    I found this recipe in an old cookbook and changed it to be extra citrusy. If you’re a fan of...


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    Oven-Baked Brisket

    Oven brisket is a convenient alternative to smoked brisket! Use any leftovers of this Texas-style brisket in sandwiches and tacos.


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    Cranberry-Orange Sangria

    Letting this sangria sit in the fridge overnight improves the fruitiness, making it the perfect make-ahead drink for a holiday...

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    Turkey Brine

    Say goodbye to dry, flavorless turkey. This turkey brine recipe creates perfectly seasoned turkey with tender, juicy meat.


    Barbecue Chicken Sliders

    Barbecue chicken sliders are perfect for game-day parties. To get exceptionally flavorful, juicy chicken, brine the meat overnight, then slow...


    Sausage & Apple Cornbread Bake

    I make a cornbread-style bake with sausage, maple syrup and apples when we want a hearty breakfast casserole. It’s sweet,...


    Bacon Beef Tenderloin with Cranberry Glaze

    I made this for Christmas one year and now people request it for every special event. Omit the jalapeno if...


    Overnight Sesame Chicken

    "For flavorful, moist and tender chicken, try this marinade," suggests Julie Lake from Anchorage, Alaska. "The sesame seeds cling well...


    Corn Pasta Salad

    After tasting this cool salad at a family reunion, I immediately asked for the recipe. It has tricolor pasta, sweet...

    Molded Shrimp Spread

    I usually make this recipe for parties and family gatherings. It never lasts long, because folks go straight for it.


    Chocolate Mint Eclair Dessert

    My college roommate gave me this recipe, which I lightened up a little. You can try other pudding flavors, but...


    Frosty Pumpkin Pie

    This frozen treat is so delightful no one would guess it's made with reduced-fat ingredients. We actually prefer a slice...


    Homemade Chicken Stock

    Peppercorns and a handful of herbs add the perfect seasoning to this low-sodium stock. Browning the chicken and sauteeing the...


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    Thelma’s Chocolate Eclair

    I love eclairs, but making the actual pastry is difficult, so I came up with this recipe as a substitute....


    Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream

    This creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert...