The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your cook books away just yet!

I don’t know about you, but my family has a thing for food. It isn’t a family gathering without some good home cooking. Cookbooks get their fair share of use, but if all else fails, random ingredients get thrown into a pot and we all hope for the best.

New recipes with enticing ingredients and flavorful combinations can make any meal unforgettable. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate throughout the year and no celebration is complete without food, friends, and family.

Here are five delicious recipes that have that specials touch to make your next meal simply unforgettable.

Soups

Soups are a perfect choice for any time of year, whether it is a hearty chilly or beef stew in the cool winter months, or an irresistible Gazpacho or chilled tomato soup in the summer, soup can make a wonderful addition to any meal, or if hearty enough can even stand on its own. 

Clam Chowder is a classic soup loved by many. It can be found on a variety of menus at various restaurants and is pretty easy to make.

That being said, there is nothing worse than a runny chowder lacking in ingredients and flavor. God gave us bountiful food sources, let’s put them to good use! This New England Style Clam Chowder is hearty and flavorful enough to have earned a place on  Taste of Home’s top ten soups list. This is one you will want to make again and again.  

Sides

No meal is complete without them. Growing up side dishes were my favorite part of the meal. Mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, macaroni and cheese… I loved it all. Mac and Cheese may have been a childhood favorite, but is not just for kids any more, this recipe managed to win a spot on Food.com’s top 50 recipes list and is perfect for picnics, birthdays, and large family gatherings.

Main Dishes

Chicken is as easy as it is versatile. From fried to baked and everything in between, this is one bird you can’t go wrong with. Just because chicken is a common protein doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Add a few simple ingredients and poultry goes from ordinary to extraordinary in a matter of minutes. This recipe for Garlic Chicken also won a spot of Food.com’s top 50 recipes list. 

Desserts

Mmmm dessert. Is there anything sweeter. As far as I’m concerned, if there’s fruit in it, then it’s healthy. End your meal on a high note by serving up these fantastic and rather aesthetically pleasing Caramelized Banana Puddings from Southern Living. This is no doubt comfort food at its finest. 

And finally, whether you are looking for a simple yet sophisticated snack, a perfect party appetizer, or easy picnic fair, you won’t be disappointed with Martha Stewart’s take on a pear, walnut, and ricotta crostini. The flavor combination of sweet, nutty, and savory all comes together to create something delightfully delicious. 

Food is best shared with those you love. Try these recipes out the next time you have loved ones around your table. 

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