Ingredients

• 2 large zucchini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ingredients

• 2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 16 large marshmallows
• GLAZE:
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 teaspoons 2% milk
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Editor’s Tip: Expand your spice cabinet and culinary creativity with a flavorful collection of Mediterranean spices.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is plant-focused and rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and olive oil. Meat and dairy are included, but in smaller amounts. Seafood is the preferred source of animal protein.

The diet is based on the traditional eating habits of people who live in countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea, such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece. Scientists began studying their eating patterns because they had less chronic disease and a longer life expectancy than people in other parts of the worldsimilar to the study of the Blue Zone diet.

In the late 1990s, the health community developed a formal guide to following a Mediterranean diet. The pyramid they created highlighted aspects of the diet and lifestyle that were key to gaining the health benefits people in that region have experienced for generations.

Whole foods vs. processed foods

Whole foods are also central to the Mediterranean diet, as opposed to processed foods that are high in refined grains and added sugar. The evidence against processed foods continues to stack up, as highlighted at the 2023 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo. In a session about processed foods, Megan D. Baumler, PhD, RDN, explained that ultra-processed foods are associated with an increased risk of chronic health conditions. Since they are rapidly digested and absorbed, they can also reduce feelings of fullness and lead to overeating.

A study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine even showed that eating too many processed foods can cause premature death.

Adhering to the Mediterranean diet will increase your intake of fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats. Eating less processed foods and more produce will help decrease sodium and ensure youre consuming a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

Is the Mediterranean diet good for you?

Following the Mediterranean diet means eating a variety of nutritious foods that work together to promote a healthy body. Its often said that the Mediterranean diet is more of a lifestyle than a diet, because theres no single food or nutrient in the diet that makes it healthy: Its the combination that works together.

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest eating patterns and is named the number one diet in U.S. News & World Report for best diets for 2023, says Rahaf Al Bochi, RDN, LD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of Olive Tree Nutrition. Research continues to reveal that the Mediterranean diet supports overall health and can help lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and mortality. It has also been shown to boost mental health and support positive fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

One of the most influential studies of the Mediterranean diet was conducted by a team at the University of Barcelona in 2013. The team followed more than 7,000 people whose heart health improved dramatically after following the diet. This study showed that the Mediterranean diet can:

• Improve blood pressure
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve digestion
• Support brain function
• Stabilize blood sugar
• Reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome

How to Follow the Mediterranean Diet

Here’s how to follow the Mediterranean diet and make it part of your daily routine.

Produce

Plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables make up the foundation of the Mediterranean diet. They are nutrient-dense and usually low in calories, providing the vitamins, minerals and fiber we need without adding a lot of calories. Fresh produce is always a great option, but frozen and canned can also be healthy choices. Read labels on packaged fruits and veggies to find those with little to no added sugar or salt.

How many servings of produce should you eat? Shoot for two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day. One serving is about 1/2 cup cooked, or 1 cup raw. Focus mainly on non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli and recipes with leafy greens, while including starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes in moderation. Try one of these bell pepper recipes to start, such as bell pepper tomato salad or grilled peppers and zucchini.

Legumes

Most legumes are rich in fiber, B vitamins, potassium and folate, and double as a good source of proteinwhich is important because the Mediterranean diet includes just a moderate amount of animal protein. Legumes include beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas and fava beans.

How many servings of legumes should you eat? Include three 1/2-cup servings of legumes per week. This might seem daunting if you arent used to eating them regularly, but consider starting with small changes like adding a handful to a salad, choosing a bean burger instead of a hamburger, or snacking on veggies and hummus (which is made with chickpeas). Look for new recipes to add to your regular rotation, like these healthy dinners that start with a can of beans or one of these chickpea recipes.

Grains

Whole grains like oats, bulgur, farro and brown rice are emphasized in the Mediterranean diet because they provide more fiber and nutrients than refined grains. They improve digestion and help stabilize blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

How many servings of whole grains should you eat? Incorporate three to six servings of whole grains per day, depending on your caloric needs. An example of a single serving is 1/2 cup cooked rice, one slice of bread or 1 cup dry cereal. Try switching to whole grain pasta, starting your day with oatmeal, and adding barley to soups and stews. Beyond that, our collection of whole grain dinner ideas provides plenty of ways to add them to your meal plan.

Nuts

Some of the healthiest nuts are almonds, walnuts and pistachios. They are an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fat, and also provide protein, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E. Look for low-salt or no-salt-added nuts.

How many servings of nuts should you eat? Try to get three 1/4-cup servings of nuts per week. Two tablespoons of nut butter is also a serving (so, yes, peanut butter counts!). If youre looking for more healthy ways to eat nuts, try swapping in a serving of nuts in place of processed snacks like potato chips or pretzels to satisfy your hunger.

Meat and Seafood

Seafood is the preferred animal protein in the Mediterranean diet, and for good reason. Consuming fish regularly can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol. If you eat red meat, do so in moderation, choosing lean cuts. If you eat poultry, opt for skinless poultry to limit saturated fat.

How many servings of meat and seafood should you eat? Aim for three servings of fish per week. Limit poultry to no more than one serving a day, and red meat to about one serving per week. One serving of meat or poultry is 3 ounces cooked, which is about the size of a deck of cards. Experiment with healthy fish recipes, especially salmon recipes, to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dairy

While yogurt and cheese are common in the Mediterranean diet, dairy is typically consumed in moderation. It can be a good source of calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein, but its also often high in saturated fat.

How many servings of dairy should you eat? One serving of dairy a day can mean just 1 cup milk, 1 cup yogurt or 1-1/2 ounces cheese. Choose low-fat or fat-free when you can. Include higher fat cheeses and cream as a flavor enhancer to other, healthier foods rather than as a main part of a meal or snack.

Fats

Olive oil is key in the Mediterranean diet. Its high in monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, which can help lower bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation.

How much fat should you consume? Remember that oil is also high in calories, so just one to four servings a day is optimal depending on your caloric needs. One serving is 1 tablespoonthat could be used for sauteing vegetables, dressing a salad or tossing with pasta. The difference between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil is that the latter is processed without heat, maintaining potentially beneficial phenols that are lost when processing olive oil. However, both are better choices than butter, shortening, and other oils that are higher in saturated fat like coconut oil. If you don’t usually stock your pantry with olive oil, start with one of these olive oil brands.

Wine

Wine is part of the traditional Mediterranean diet, especially red wine. While red wine was once associated with a possible reduced risk of heart disease, thats come into question after recent studies suggest that drinking any amount of alcohol could be detrimental to blood pressure and coronary artery disease risk. Its generally recommended that if you dont drink, dont start drinking. If you do drink, limit to one glass of wine per day for women, and two per day for men. One glass should be 3 to 4 ounces. After you pour a glass or two of your favorite type of red wine, put the rest of the bottle to use in one of these recipes with wine.

The Mediterranean Diet as a Lifestyle

The base of the Mediterranean food pyramid encourages being physically active and enjoying meals with other people instead of eating alone. These are core traditions of Mediterranean culture that contribute greatly to the health benefits of the diet. Lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with diet, so incremental changes in physical activity and shared meals is also incredibly important.

How to Start the Mediterranean Diet

Whenever you make big changes to your eating habits, its always smart to talk to your physician first to make sure the changes are right for you. Mastering new lifestyle changes can seem overwhelming at first, so start small and focus on one or two Mediterranean diet tips at a time, like these:

• Add a salad dressed with oil and vinegar before lunch or dinner.
• Instead of ending a meal with cookies, cake or ice cream, have sliced fruit with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for something sweet.
• Swap 1/4 cup almonds or walnuts for processed snacks twice a week.
• Start your day with oatmeal and berries instead of pancakes, eggs or bacon.
• If you saute in butter, switch to olive oil.
• Replace one serving of red meat with seafood once a week.
• Take a 10-minute walk after lunch or dinner every day.

If you prefer a more detailed plan, our seven-day Mediterranean meal plan gives you a weeks worth of recipes to get you started. Start by stocking your pantry with Mediterranean spices, like za’atar, saffronand sumac, and have fun experimenting with new dishes.

The post What Is the Mediterranean Diet? A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on Taste of Home.

The Best Deviled Eggs

Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe uses up leftover hard-boiled eggs and includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab. And to make it easy to make these, use an egg peeler!Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

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The trickiest part of serving ham is getting it off the bone. Learning how to cut a ham isn’t hard, but it’s easy to get out of practice if you only do it once a year. Follow along with our handy guide to learn how to carve a ham.

What Is the Best Ham to Buy?

There are several types of ham, so you’ll want to choose the right ham for your circumstances. For the best flavor, we recommend choosing a bone-in ham. The bone adds extra flavor as it cooks, and it also keeps the meat juicy and moist.

Bone-in hams are sold in a few different options: the shank half and the butt half. The shank half (from the lower portion of the leg) is less expensive, but it’s also less meaty and the meat is a little tougher. That said, it’s easier to carve because it only has one long bone.

The other option is the butt half (from the upper half of the leg). It’s larger, more tender and juicier than the shank half because it contains more fat. It’s also a little trickier to navigate when carving because the bone has a bit of curve, and the roast may contain part of the hip bone.

No matter which you choose, we recommend looking for hams listed as “half.” These are large enough to serve about 14 people, and they include the desirable center slices. Looking for the easiest ham to carve? Choose one labeled “semi-boneless.” It only includes the center femur bone that’s easy to work around.

These are the best ham brands, according to our Test Kitchen.

How to Cut a Ham

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife: A dull knife is a dangerous knife. It can slip as you cut through the ham, leading to a situation that will ruin dinner! Spend a quick minute to sharpen your knife before getting started. As far as which knife to choose, we recommend a carving knife with a long, thin blade.
• Carving fork: This may seem like a silly accessory, but the carving fork helps stabilize the ham as you cut. If you only serve a roast once a year, you could use a regular fork or a sturdy pair of tongs. However, the carving fork is inexpensive and classy (especially when carving tableside), so we recommend picking one up. If you’re in the market for a new carving knife, you can choose one sold as a set with the fork.
• Carving board: You definitely want a carving board that’s large enough to hold the whole ham, but you also want it to be heavy and sturdy. There’s nothing worse than a board that slides around as you’re trying to slice. We recommend using a cutting board with grooves to catch any extra juices for easy clean-up.

Directions

Step 1: Set up your carving board station

One of the most common mistakes is crowding yourself into a too-small area to carve. If your cutting board is too small, you’re making this task harder than it needs to be. You’ll also want to set up your carving board at a normal working height (don’t hunch over the table to carve in front of your guests) and leave yourself some elbow room.

Step 2: Carve off a boneless section

After baking the ham and letting it rest, arrange the ham cut-side down on the cutting board. This positions the bone perpendicular to the board. Use the fork to pierce the top corner of the meat, inserting it deep enough to hold the ham but positioning it out of the way of your knife. Locate the bone and carve down alongside it toward the cutting board, removing the boneless section of meat.

Step 3: Slice the boneless section

Now that you have a boneless section of ham, carve it into vertical slices. The thickness is up to you, but we recommend 1/4-inch thick slices. They’re thick enough to serve for dinner but thin enough for leftover ham sandwiches. Set the slices on a serving plate and tent the plate with foil to keep them warm.

Step 4: Slice the bone-in section

This part is a bit trickier, but it’s not hard with a little practice. Position the ham so the bone is parallel to the cutting board. Insert the fork right next to the bone to hold the ham in place. Make vertical cuts from the top, stopping when your knife hits the bone. Then, turn your knife so it’s parallel to the cutting board and make one long horizontal cut along the bone to remove the slices. They’ll fall neatly onto the cutting board! Transfer them to the serving plate with the other ham slices.

Step 5: Arrange and serve

Now that the ham is sliced, neatly arrange it on the serving plate and get ready to enjoy. Don’t forget to save the ham bone!

What Should I Do with the Ham Bone?

No matter how well you carve the ham, there’s always a decent amount of meat remaining on the bone. It’s not worth serving to your guests, but don’t throw it out. If you scrape the bone with your knife, you’ll end up with a lot of small, uneven pieces of meat. They’re perfect for a ham casserole or stuffed baked potatoes.

The bone itself is worth saving, too. It will infuse split pea soup or bean dishes with a ton of extra flavor. If you’re not ready to use it right away, freeze the bone in a freezer-safe bag. It will be good for about six months in the freezer.

Before you go, make sure to check out our favorite Easter ham recipes!

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We’ve made sure you wont feel deprived with these hearty lower-calorie breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Our meal plan comes in below 1200 calories, leaving you 300-400 calories for sides, snacks and drinks to balance out your day.

Continuing your weight-loss journey? Don’t miss these tasty and healthy dinner recipes.

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Avocado Crab Boats

These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they’re always delicious. Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon

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Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We’re crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Favorite Banana Chip Muffins

These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when hes home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. Theyre a family tradition. Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina

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Vegetarian Pad Thai

This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. Its quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

Also, check these best vegetarian recipes to give an interesting twist to your veggies.

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Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce

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Spicy Island Shrimp

My husband got this recipe while he was living on St. Croix Island. We’ve served Spicy Island Shrimp on several holiday occasions. I’m amazed at how even those who claim not to care for shrimp come out of their shells and devour them when they’re prepared this way! -Teresa Methe, Minden, Nebraska

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The Best Beef Stew

Our stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Also, check out this December meal plan for quick dinner recipes.

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Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

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Southwest Vegetarian Bake

This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It’s a healthy canned vegetable recipe that’s great for any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois

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Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp

Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.

This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. Deena Bowen, Chico, California

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Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I’d open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York

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Garlic Lemon Shrimp

You’ll be amazed that you can make this simple, elegant pasta in mere minutes. Serve with crusty bread to soak up all of the garlic lemon sauce. Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

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Spicy Shrimp with Rice

No one will doubt that “light” cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls

Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California.

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Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

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Birthday Cake Pancakes

For my kids’ birthdays, I love to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal. And don’t forget to top with a candle! Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia

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Your kiddos will love these kid-friendly birthday party food ideas.

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Lemon-Berry Shortcake

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Red and Sweet Potato Salad

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Chickpea and Potato Curry

You can also adopt these high protein foods in your day-to-day life for healthier eating habits.

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Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes

Take the chill off any blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe ever, and my family loves when I serve it. Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

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Key Lime Cream Pie

I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It’s so cool and refreshingperfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, with everyone asking for the recipe. Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida

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It happens all the time. I’m in the mood to bake, I’ve got a great recipe, all of my ingredients are on the counter, and then I read the dreaded words: butter, softened. My butter is rock hard from the fridge. Oh, bother.

Psst! When you only need a tablespoon or two of butter, a butter crock (like this one from Butter Bell) works great. Learn why it’s our Test Kitchen’s secret weapon for smooth, spreadable butter.

How Long Does It Take to Soften Butter?

Left on the countertop at room temperature, a stick of butter takes at least 45 minutes to soften. If you’re the type who plans ahead, that’s no big deal. If not, here are a few ways to soften butter quickly.

How to Soften Butter Fast

You’ll need:

• Butter (as much as your recipe calls for)

Method 1: Fairly Fast

Our first method is the easiest: Simply cut the butter into cubes. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll come to room temperature.

Cut the butter stick in half so you have two long rectangles side by side. Stack them together and slice again. This yields four butter strips. Keep them stacked, and then slice perpendicular to your cuts. The butter will fall into cubes, and the cubes will soften fairly quickly, in about 15 minutes. (Now’s a good time to measure and prep the remaining ingredients.)

Method 2: Faster

The second method is more labor-intensive, but it will help the butter soften even faster. With a rolling pin, roll or pound the butter out flat. Whether rolling or pounding, the friction will warm the butter-and the broader surface area will encourage faster softening.

Test Kitchen tip: To minimize the mess, we like to flatten butter between two sheets of waxed paper. This prevents the butter from sticking to the rolling pin or the countertop. Brilliant.

Method 3: Super Fast

The last method, shredding, creates a dirty dish, but it’s the quickest of the three. Partially unwrap the butter (use the wrapped half as a handle to keep your hand clean) and shred it using the largest holes of your box grater. The butter will reduce to a fluffy heap, similar in appearance to shredded mozzarella cheese.

The principle here is the same as in the first method: Smaller pieces soften faster. Shredded butter is ready to use in your recipe right away.

Test Kitchen tip: We also like to use this method when we’re making pie crust, which actually requires cold butter. In this case, we freeze the stick of butter before grating it. This creates small, hard pieces of butter that help make any crust tender and flaky.

Method 4: The Lazy Way

If you’re feeling lucky, you can forego the aforementioned methods. Just place the butter and sugar into a stand mixer, and start creaming on low speed. (Higher speeds increase the likelihood that butter will catapult out of the bowl.) You’ll need to increase the mixing time to allow for the butter to warm and soften and for the aeration of the creaming process to take place. You can also try this quick trick to soften butter using a warm glass.

Now that you know how to soften butter, read up on the salted vs. unsalted butter debate and find out which one you should be using in your cooking and baking.

Check Out These Flaky, Buttery Pie Recipes

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Chocolate Chess PieThe rich, chocolaty version of this classic southern pie tastes even better with a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. If you don't have time to make the crust from scratch, a store-bought pie crust works too.

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Apple PieWe recommend Granny Smith, Braeburn, Golden Delicious or Jonagold apples for this winning apple pie recipe. To keep the bottom of the pie from getting soggy, preheat the oven with a baking sheet already inside, then bake the pie on the warm baking sheet.

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Easy Coconut Cream PieThanks to a refrigerated pie crust, this delicious coconut cream pie takes only half an hour to whip up before it needs to chill. If you like the sound of this, try more of our favorite coconut dessert recipes.

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The Best Pecan PieLook up pecan pie in the dictionary and you'll find a photo of this beauty. The whiskey or bourbon is optional, but it adds a depth of flavor you won't want to miss.

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Creamy Pina Colada PieIf you like pina coladas, then it's time to try the tropical classic in pie form. Serve it cold out of the freezer, or let it sit on the counter for a few minutes for a softer texture.

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Peach PieWhen peaches are in season, you can find us makingand devouringthis summertime classic. Add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.

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Peanut Butter Cream PieQuick! You have last-minute guests coming over tomorrow, but nothing for dessert. Luckily, this lightning-fast recipe is ready in just 10 minutes, plus overnight chilling time.

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French Silk PieFor extra credit, make your own pie dough from scratch, then pour in the creamy chocolate filling after parbaking. We love this quick and easy classic butter pie crust recipe.

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Possum PieIf you haven't heard of it, possum pie is an Arkansas favorite that combines chocolate, cream cheese and pecans. This version uses instant vanilla and chocolate pudding mix as a clever shortcut.

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Easy Confetti PieIt doesn't get more funor foolproofthan this creamy and colorful pie. Kids and adults alike will love the sugar cone crust. To avoid lumps, be sure the gelatin is fully dissolved and the cream cheese is at room temperature before making the filling.

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Favorite Banana Cream PieCream pies contain dairy and eggs, so make sure you refrigerate any leftovers. Cover with foil and enjoy the remaining slices within four days.

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Strawberry Pretzel PieThis sweet and salty flavor combination is irresistible! Save this no-bake dessert for a hot summer day.

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Cherry Cream Cheese PieIf you're a cheesecake fan but don't want to deal with water baths and fussy directions, try this much more straightforward cream cheese pie. You'll only need nine ingredients to pull it off.

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Traditional Pumpkin PieIf your pumpkin pies tend to crack, try taking them out a few minutes earlier. The filling should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. Try more of our favorite pumpkin recipes if you end up with leftover canned pumpkin.

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Easy Fresh Strawberry PieBehold, our favorite way to use our summer farmers market haul. Each pie has four cups of fresh strawberries inside.

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Coconut Pistachio PieWith just six ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up this creamy no-bake dessert. Discover more of our favorite cream pie recipes if you prefer them over fruit pies.

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Citrus Cranberry PieIf you're new to pies, making a lattice pie crust might feel intimidating. But with a little patience and practice, your friends will think you're ready to open your own bakery.

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Crumb-Topped Apple PieDon't skimp on the homemade crumb topping, which features a crunchy combo of flour, white sugar, brown sugar and butter. We recommend using Granny Smith apples in this pie because they're tart and firm, and they keep their shape. See our comprehensive guide to apples for other options if you can't find Granny Smiths at the store.

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Strawberry Rhubarb PieWhen springtime rolls around, we always make sure to grab a bunch of rhubarb from the farmers market. This pie, which also features three cups of fresh strawberries, is our favorite way to celebrate the flavors of the season.

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Sugar Cream PieThis velvety pie requires only seven ingredients, thanks to store-bought pie dough. Switch up the texture by baking the filling in a crumb crust instead.

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Shoofly PieThis classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert features molasses, brown sugar and egg yolks, with a brown sugar topping. While it's not the actual reason the pie has this name, it certainly has enough sugar in it that you'd have to shoo flies away from whatever picnic you bring it to.

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Praline Pumpkin Pecan PieTraditional pumpkin pie is tasty, but when you really want to stand out, it's time to pull out all the stops. This sweet and crunchy version features a crumb crust made of sweet and spicy gingerbread cookies.

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Macaroon Cherry PieYou can find tart cherries at the farmers market for a few weeks every summer. If you see them, stock up to make this irresistibly delicious pie. The coconut and almond topping gives it a wonderful crunch.

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Sour Cream Rhubarb PieLook for thin, red rhubarb stalks, then slice them into small pieces to use in this winning pie. If you've frozen some of your rhubarb to last into the winter, you can use that stash in this recipe.

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Key Lime Cream PieThis tangy and tart pie is said to have originated in Key West, Florida. With one bite, you'll be transported to the city's sunny shores. For bakery-quality results, pile the whipped topping high, sprinkle it with toasted coconut and dot it with thin lime slices.

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Spiced Plum PieIn late summer and early fall, plums will be at their tastiest. Take advantage with this double-crust pie, which is filled with orange zest, spices and heaps of the seasonal fruit.

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Contest-Winning Fresh Blueberry PieSeven basic pantry ingredients plus five cups of fresh blueberries yield a seriously easy summer pie in just 15 minutes. Thanks to a sheet of refrigerated pie crust, all you have to do is unroll the dough, bake it in the oven, heat up the blueberry filling on the stove and pour it into the pie crust.

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Shaker Lemon PieYou'll want to use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer (these are our Test Kitchen's favorite mandolines) to get your lemon slices extra thin and even. If you have a few that aren't perfect, don't worry! As long as most of the slices are uniform in shape, it won't affect the final product.

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Fluffy Key Lime PieIt doesn't get much easier than this low-fat, four-ingredient key lime pie. Thanks to sugar-free lime gelatin and fat-free whipped topping, there's only 3 grams of fat per slice.

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Honey PieWith some brown sugar, honey and a bit of vanilla and almond extract, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert in your own kitchen. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to make it extra fancy.

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Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato PieBelieve it or not, you can make a pie crust out of biscotti! This decadent dessert also contains coffee, so don't feel guilty if you want to eat a slice for breakfast.

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Contest-Winning Raspberry Cream PieThis pie is tasty when made with fresh or frozen strawberries. If you decide to go the frozen route, use them right from the freezer to avoid discoloring the batter.

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Blueberry Cream PieWhile we love a traditional blueberry pie, this cream pie adds an extra layer of silky decadence between the crust and the fruit filling. Vanilla wafer crumbs make a uniquely delicious crumb crust.

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Buckeye PieThere's no better combination than peanut butter and jellywell, except peanut butter and chocolate. This pie combines our two favorite flavors in every delightful bite.

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Mixed Berry PieIf you don't have fresh berries on hand, you can also make this pie with frozen berries. They may even provide a better depth of flavor. You don't need to thaw themjust let the berries sit for a few minutes on the counter.

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Amish Vanilla PieThis sweet and crunchy pie is based on a classic Amish recipe. You'll need dark corn syrup, cream of tartar and nutmeg to pull it off, plus a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it extra special.

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Peanut Butter Pudding PieThis recipe calls for store-bought whipped topping, but you can also make your own sweetened whipped cream from scratch. If you love this one, try more pies that start with pudding mix.

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Old-Time Buttermilk PieWhile buttermilk pie is a southern classic, its origins may trace back to the United Kingdom. The filling, made with buttermilk, vanilla extract and lemon juice, was often mixed up when there was no fruit on hand.

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Spiced Upside-Down Apple PieWhile it might seem like common sense to wait until the pie cools down before inverting it onto a serving pan, don't wait too long. A cold pie will become difficult to remove from the pan.

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Chocolate Cream PieCalling all chocolate lovers: It's time to bust out your finest baking cocoa. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra baking cocoa for a professional finishing touch.

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Cookie Butter PieCookie butter is sort of like peanut butter's sweet cousin. Instead of peanuts, it's made of mashed-up cookies. Served in a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream, this pie is heavenly.

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Lemon Chess PieFor a light, tangy and refreshing dessert, we turn to this nine-ingredient chess pie, which features ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Get extra fancy and top it with candied orange slices.

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Huckleberry Cheese PieFresh huckleberries are an Idaho treat, but even if you don't live in the Gem State, you might be able to find them frozen at your local grocery store. If not, blueberries make a delicious swap in this recipe.

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Rhubarb Cherry PieIf cherries and rhubarb aren't in season, frozen rhubarb and canned cherries work just as well for this tasty treat. Thanks to quick-cooking tapioca, this recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake PieIt's like pumpkin pie and cheesecake had a delicious baby. Don't skimp on the sour cream toppingit adds an extra tang that really brings the dessert together.

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Oatmeal PieWhile it might be tempting to leave the leftovers on the counter overnight, it's best to put this pie in the fridge after it's been sitting at room temperature for about two hours. Be sure to eat the remaining slices within four days.

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Peach Blueberry PieWhen peaches are in season, whip out the recipe for this sweet summer dessert. Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. In fact, you don't even have to thaw them!

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Tangy Lemon Chiffon PieUnflavored gelatin, egg yolks and whipping cream make the pie filling ultra velvety. Combine semisweet chocolate chips and shortening to make a smooth chocolate drizzle that's optional, but encouraged.

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Butterscotch PieMeringue is one of those techniques that looks tricky, but it's actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Combine egg whites, cream of tartar and sugar, then beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Practice making it with these tasty meringue dessert recipes.

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If butterscotch is your favorite flavor, you must also try the Dolly Parton butterscotch pie recipe.

World's Best Lemon PieTo prevent the meringue from "weeping" into the rest of the pie, be sure the filling is still warm when adding the meringue on top. Find more tips on how to master meringue.

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The post How to Soften Butter Quickly appeared first on Taste of Home.

Garlic Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, Georgia

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The post 24 Recipes You Can Make with a Pound of Taco Meat appeared first on Taste of Home.