Light, Fluffy Pancakes
One perfect pancake recipe and nine intriguing variations. Start your day off right with the zing of ginger, spices, chocolate and even hearty corn cakes.

One great cheesecake, 10 ways
Make this creamy, decadent dessert, then add zest with twists on flavors.

Savory pies
These comfort-food dishes go together quickly for guests and family. Simple, Classic Chicken Potpie
Moussaka Cotage Pie

Three spectacular sweets
No time to make dessert? Take a few extra minutes and you can end the meal spectacularly.
Easy Cherries Jubilee
Quick Peach Melba
Breezy Burrito Bananas Foster

An easygoing spring brunch
Five different quiches without the fuss of a crust.
Salmon "Tartare" Spread on Kettle-Style Potato Chips
Champagne or Sparkling Cider
Crustless Quiche
Asparagus or Mixed Green Salad
Strawberry Cream Parfaits with Coconut Macaroons

Perfect risotto
You don't have to keep stirring this classic Italian rice dish.

Finger foods for a crowd
The following foods -- savory and sweet -- offer broad appeal without breaking the bank.
Mini Ham & Swiss Sandwiches with Cranberry-Onion Relish
Chicken Caesar Toasts
Crunchy Wasabi Cheese Balls
Coconut Cream Tarts
Trail Mix White Fudge
Mini Pumpkin Muffins with Orange Drizzle

Great Granola
One formula, eight yummy variations.

Super dips
Seven-Layer Dip
Classic Texas Caviar
Warm Jalapeño Cheese Dip

Quick winter side dishes
Stock up in the frozen food aisle, add some fresh ingredients, and follow these tips.
Mini Squash Soufflés with Pecan Crumble
Caramelized Pearl Onions with Balsamic Glaze
Creamy Succotash with Bacon, Thyme & Chives

Fast, fabulous fall fruit desserts
Three classics to use apples and pears this time of year.
Roasted Pears with Caramel Sauce
Ginger Pear Crisp
Apple Dumplings with Rich Cinnamon Sauce

Spring chicken
Round out this holiday meal for 8 with pilaf and a creamy lemon dessert.
Parmesan-Black Pepper Arborio Rice Pilaf
Mushroom-Stuffed Chicken Breasts in a Balsamic Pan Sauce
Special Spring Vegetable Mix
Radish Salad With Parsley & Chopped Eggs
Lemon Panna Cotta With Raspberry-Orange Sauce

Create your own coffeecake
After you understand how to vary the recipe, you only need one basic coffeecake in your repertoire.

Not your average burger
Sass up your cookout with spicy turkey, shrimp and lamb.
Indian Turkey Burgers With Lime, Cucumbers & Chutney
Greek Lamb-Feta Burgers With Cucumber Sauce
Thai Shrimp Burgers

Salads from the grill
Marinate three meats for the grill and serve any one on a bed of baby greens or shredded Napa cabbage.
Grilled Adobo Pork Tenderloin Salad With Plums and Almonds
Grilled Mojo Chicken Salad With Asparagus and Oranges
Grilled Fajita Steak Salad With Pickled Pink Onions

Festive summer supper
With some fresh crabmeat, a few ears of corn and ripe summer fruit, a seasonal feast is just minutes away.
Perfect Crab Cakes With Green Onions
Sautéed Corn on the Cob With Chili-Lime-Cilantro Spread
Easy Batter Fruit Cobbler

Mac 'n' cheese
This family favorite can be plain or fancy with 5 different variations. And the leftovers go right into the freezer.

Simplified Cassoulet
This hearty meats-and-beans casserole is a delicious centerpiece for a fall dinner with friends.