Midwest Living January/February 2013 Recipes

Crispy bacon, extra-creamy cheese sauce, pears sauteed in brown sugar and butter. It took our Test Kitchen three tries to get all the pieces right for this fall comfort food. Oh man, was it worth it.Bacon-Pear Macaroni and Cheese

A few pinches of pantry spices jazz up the traditional sour-cream gravy. This cozy weeknight dish dances on the line between comfort food and curry.Cinnamon-Spiced Beef Stroganoff

This moist beauty begs for a mug of afternoon tea. Fennel seeds add the faintest hint of licorice flavor, just enough to make the cake stand out from the other Bundts in the room. We like the sweeter flavor of Meyer lemons in this cake. Look for them sold in bags at large supermarkets. If you substitute regular lemons, reduce the zest to 2 tablespoons.Toasted Fennel-Lemon Cake

Jazz up purchased spinach-artichoke dip with just three extra ingredients.Spinach Artichoke Dip

Fresh apple, dried fruit and cashews add color, sweetness and crunch to a ready-in-45 vegetarian chili. For a twist on the traditional toppers (and to hint what's inside), garnish with apple slivers.Apple Harvest Chili

Graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese and blueberry pie filling turn yellow cake mix into a whimsical twist on a favorite dessert. The idea comes from Designer Desserts Bakery in Valparaiso, Indiana.Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Fruit-and-nut stuffing transforms everyday chicken breasts into a company-ready feast. Bonus: It's deceptively simple; you'll have dinner on the table in an hour.Grape-Stuffed Chicken with Lemon Orzo

Simmering for hours is so Sunday afternoon! On weeknights, whip up this easy and nutritious soup using whatever veggies you have on hand.Cream of Any-Vegetable Soup

These soda-shop-cute cupcakes are inspired by the whimsical treats served at Designer Desserts Bakery in Valparaiso, Indiana.Root Beer Float Cupcakes

The classic fruit and pork combo gets a bold update: Slather the meat with a paste of garlic, mustard, lemon and rosemary, then serve with ruby red cherries. This recipe multiplies easily for entertaining.Lemon-Rosemary Pork Loin with Cherry Sauce

Affordable beef chuck roast, apple, parsnip and sweet potato slow-simmer in broth flavored with dark beer, herbs and spices. Warm corn bread muffins and cold winter night optional.Spicy Beef, Bean and Vegetable Stew 

As cheerfully cute as an ice cream sundae, these showstopper cupcakes have a luscious and oh-so-easy frosting made of whipping cream, pudding mix and malted milk powder. The recipe comes from Designer Desserts Bakery in Valparaiso, Indiana.Malt Shop Special Cupcakes

These cookies come with a friendly warning: Chewy caramel, toasted pecans and a flurry of sea salt will make you popular. Very popular. A product called caramel bits gives these cookies great flavor and chewy texture. Some supermarkets carry them, and they're widely available online. (Search for Kraft Caramel Bits.) Take care to follow recipe directions when baking: caramel bits melt quickly.Salty Caramel and Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Just add mayonnaise and cooked shrimp to purchased dip for this easy party treat.Garlic Shrimp Dip

This crowd-pleasing party sandwich works on your schedule. You can prepare and bake it all at once for a party, or assemble the sandwiches the night before, and then bake them when your guests are ready to eat. Perfect for Game Day!Chicken, Bacon, and Cheddar Submarines

Bright green pistachios and spice give this buttery chocolate cookie plenty of personality. It's like shortbread, perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee.Spiced Chocolate-Pistachio Cookies

Sirloin strips marinated in raspberry-chipotle vinaigrette get caramelized edges on the grill. Pile skewers on mixed greens with goat cheese and veggies, then pass the tongs and dressing.Sweet and Spicy Steak Salad

Click below to download our free printable collection of 10 casserole recipes or other free printable cookbooks.