Recipes

Kids like to witness transformation, which is why they enjoy baking so much. Blobs of dough turn into round cookies. And batters rise to lofty cakes. So when I'm cooking with my kids, I try to focus on recipes that will completely change from start to finish.

I'm a non-baker, and I'd definitely make this again -- especially if I wanted to impress guests. The apples (I used Cortland, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious) stacked up wonderfully and didn't leave a drop of liquid in the bottom of the pie plate, keeping the crust crisp and not and all soggy. The hazelnut and oatmeal combination, as well as the pretty layered top, were just happy bonuses!

Pot roast becomes especially delicious with the addition of chopped green chiles and taco seasoning.

I have mellowed the molasses a touch with corn syrup -- when I make this pie I go whole hog and use all sorghum molasses. It's your call. I also found I really liked the rice flour streusel because it is very tender but either flours work great here.

Wow friends and family with this tender beef encased in a golden horseradish crust. Roasted garlic boosts the robust flavor even more.

Using a combo of butter and shortening produces a tender and flakey crust. And making it with frozen butter in the food processor is a snap. The lovely, smooth filling is a wonderful step up from plain, old apple pie.

I love to experiment with many different types of recipes. But as a mother of young children, I rely on family-friendly ones more and more. Everyone enjoys this stew.

Serves 10 to 12

Welcome your family in from the cold with this moist and delicious meat loaf with wonderful southwestern taco flavor. This is down-home comfort food at its healthy best!

Here's a stir-fry that's even faster than Chinese takeout. It's easy, filling and a winner every time. And it can be ready in under 30 minutes for tonight!