45 Recipes That’ll Impress Your In-Laws

Read Time: 22 mins

45 Recipes That’ll Impress Your In-Laws1/45 Cornish Game Hens 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Herb-Brined Cornish Game Hens Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 76 hours 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Instead of a turkey or a big roast, why not serve individual Cornish game hens for the holidays? They cook in a fraction of the time and they’re guaranteed to impress all your guests. —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 592 calories, 39g fat (16g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 49g

3/45 Citrus Salmon en Papillote Test Kitchen Approved Total

protein. 2/45 Cranberry Tart 26 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cranberry Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: While everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it’s a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 255 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. 3/45 Citrus Salmon en Papillote Test Kitchen Approved Total

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable

Time 35 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Salmon en papillote, or salmon cooked in parchment paper, is so easy to make yet so delicious, elegant and impressive. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 packet: 224 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable. 4/45 Grapefruit Yogurt Cake 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We eat grapefruit for breakfast and in

winter fruit salads—why not for dessert?

winter fruit salads—why not for dessert? Here’s a sweet-tart cake that’s easy, delicious and one of a kind. It’s healthier too! —Maiah Miller, Montclair, Vermont Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 187 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat. 5/45 Warm Apple & Pistachio Spinach Salad 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I’m really not a salad person, but this unusual salad is actually worthy of bringing to a

dinner party or even eating by itself

dinner party or even eating by itself. It’s also super quick and easy to make. —Justine Kmiecik, Crestview, Florida Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 278 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein. 6/45 Greek Salad Ravioli 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Greek Salad Ravioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Turn the fresh flavors of a Greek salad into a warm dish for cold winter nights. I like to make a large batch, freeze

it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in five minutes!

it, then simply drop ravioli into simmering water for dinner in five minutes! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba Nutrition Facts: 6 ravioli: 283 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 high-fat meat, 1 fat. 7/45 Slow-Cooker Short Ribs 78 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Slow-Cooker Short Ribs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 6 hours 45 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don’t need to pay

any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker

any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 251 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. 8/45 Crockpot Mashed Potatoes 29 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe photo by Christine Ma for Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 20 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful

for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there’s no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 210 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. 9/45 Blueberry Coffee Cake 30 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Blueberries and Cream Coffee Cake Recipe photo by Molly Bolton for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This blueberry coffee cake is my go-to recipe for all of our holiday get-togethers because it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. It’s

easy to make, and it’s the most delicious coffee cake I’ve ever had

easy to make, and it’s the most delicious coffee cake I’ve ever had. —Susan Ober, Franconia, New Hampshire Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 428 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. 10/45 Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I

love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy

love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed chicken breast: 347 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 7 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 11/45 Butter Pecan Ice Cream Torte 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 50 min Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A simple, nutty crust and smooth caramel sauce are all the preparation required for

this impressive dessert

this impressive dessert. It will keep in the freezer for one month—just be sure to wrap tightly. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 592 calories, 39g fat (17g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. 12/45 Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin 8 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather

warms up, we grill it instead

warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 402 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 864mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. 13/45 French Onion Soup 63 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Classic French Onion Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 20 min Servings 12 servings (2-1/4 quarts) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs

of melted Swiss cheese on top

of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. 14/45 Salmon with Horseradish Pistachio Crust 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Impress everyone at your table with this elegant but easy salmon that’s delicious and nutritious. You can substitute scallions for shallots if you like. —Linda

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat

Press Wolfe, Cross River, New York Nutrition Facts: 1 salmon fillet: 376 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat. 15/45 Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing 9 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan Dressing Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This simple salad is an elegant side dish for any menu. With a blend of fresh pears and warm, comforting flavors, it’s perfect for special

Take the steps one at a time and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make

meals. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 206 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 335mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. 16/45 Bee Sting Cake 6 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Bee Sting Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The bee sting cake, or bienenstich, may look daunting, but it’s well worth the effort. Take the steps one at a time and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition

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• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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