Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, this bread improves with age, so plan to make it a day ahead if possible. 

Poppies are our state flower, and each spring the fields in this area are a brilliant orange mass of poppies. That's when we make this poppy seed cake. It's especially fitting when we picnic where the poppies are plentiful. 

'This summery seafood salad is one of my husband's favorites,' notes Christy Herbert of Muskegon, Michigan. 'For a tasty variation, add peas, pimientos or green onions to the colorful mixture.' 

My five brothers and I lost our mother when we were young, so we started cooking at an early age. Being successful in the kitchen is easy with tried-and-true recipes like this. 

This filling waffles made with whole wheat flour, flax seed meal, and wheat germ are quite delicious. Serve with homemade blueberry syrup. 

Mustard powder, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion flakes are combined in this amazing egg salad. I've always had rave reviews of this great sandwich salad. 

This authentic Italian-style risotto is cooked the slow, painful way, but it's oh so worth it. It's the perfect complement for grilled meats and chicken dishes. 

This is a salad that everyone seems to love. I always get lots of compliments on this recipe and it is just a pleasing taste that seems to suit everyone. 

A family favorite, these chicken breasts get the full-flavored treatment: these are smothered in a creamy dill and caper sauce, and seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic powder. 

With a little experimenting, I came up with these chewy, spicy, oatmeal raisin cookies. They make your kitchen smell wonderful while they are baking. They almost remind me of Christmas because the spices smell so good. 

These cookies from Poland can be made with different flavors of jam. 

A great combination of chocolate chips, oatmeal, and peanut butter. 

Chocolate cookie with a surprise peanut butter center. 

Cheddar cheese and sweet apple are enclosed in sauteed chicken breasts. 

This recipe is a family favorite. It is great for using over ripe bananas. I usually double the recipe and make two loaves. You can also add walnuts if you wish. Note: When your bananas are over ripe, you can put them in the freezer until you are ready to use them. 

Sour cream gives enough tangy bite to take the edge off this banana bread 's sweetness. Dusting the baking pans with cinnamon sugar gives these small four loaves a gentle spice undertone. 

Similar to meat-filled calzones, these cheesy little swirls were invented during football season. The name was inspired by our favorite team. 

Simple and flavorful-simmered tomatoes, onion, vodka and cream. 

Beef chuck stewed with potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and beef broth for a homey favorite. The aroma that permeates throughout the house while the stew is simmering doesn't do it justice..delicious. 

Filling and satisfying lasagna with sausage, ground beef and three types of cheese.