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"For as long as I can remember, every Christmas Eve I've hosted an open house with a Mexican buffet," writes Jill Cole of Fallbrook, California. "Any suggestion of varying the meal is met with cries of protest from family and friends. I set out guacamole, salsa, homemade tamales, and what has become my famous albóndigas soup." Be sure to put out hot sauce for those who like extra heat.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

"My grandmother was a reporter in New York before she got married and moved to Montana to start a new life on a ranch," writes Joyce Litz of Albuquerque, New Mexico. "At the time she didn't know how to cook, and learning wasn't easy — the place didn't even have running water. Still, she appreciated good food, so she persevered and became a great cook. Later my grandmother taught me ranch-style cooking, a lot of which involved getting simple but flavorful, hearty meals ready in a hurry."

Drizzling sweet pickle juice over the warm potatoes is the secret to this delicious salad.

Be sure to save a few of these buttery biscuits for mini ham sandwiches the next day.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Hoisin adds complexity to the flavor of the sauce. You can save some time — and some tears — by chopping the onions in the processor in two batches.

A winner in the Bon Appétit Recipes Sweepstakes, a reader poll conducted in honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary.

These five-ingredient sardine toasts make the perfect party snacks to pass around during cocktail hour.

May be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Colorful, refreshing and delicious.

"A good newspaper review of the Cosmos Cafe in Houston convinced me to try out the restaurant and particularly the owners award-winning green chili," says Janice E. Bryant of Humble, Texas. "It was everything chili should be—hearty and hot with a great kick from poblano chilies." Serve the chili with warm corn tortillas, and pass bowls of chopped fresh cilantro, chopped green onions and sour cream for garnishes. This recipe can easily be halved for a smaller crowd.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.