Super Bowl

Use a cast-iron skillet or other heavy skillet to make this recipe. Serve the bubbling cheese right from the pan, and partner the whole meal with icy Margaritas.

Make the salad in a clear glass bowl to show off the colors. Pass some purchased red wine vinaigrette or buttermilk dressing alongside.

Susan Richardson of Edina, Minnesota, writes: "My mother worked full-time when I was growing up, so as the oldest daughter in a family of six children, I did a lot of cooking. From the time I was seven years old, my mom taught me how to cook and bake — salad, bread, vegetables, and dessert were pretty much part of every dinner. Even today, I make it a point to prepare and eat dinner with my two teenage children. Though we're very busy, we'll never abandon our dinner ritual. It's the time when we can talk and reconnect."

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This stuffed potato is practically a meal in itself; just add a salad, and you're all set.

Perfect for any summer party. Be sure to use the best blue cheese available, such as French Roquefort or domestic Maytag

A favorite steak-dinner starter served at Cattlemen's Steakhouse in the historic Stockyards City area of Oklahoma City.

The recipe calls for purchased roasted chicken, which eliminates a step.

The two-pronged cooking method used for these wings —incorporating both braising and deep-frying — is a takeoff on the Chinese technique of steaming, then frying. We think it keeps the meat unbelievably tender while getting the skin supercrispy. Be sure to allow 2 hours for the wings to marinate.

"Caribbean food has become a real favorite of mine," writes Cindy M. Wright of Tarzana, California. "I just love the flavors of this spicy cuisine. One of the best places in my area is Cha Cha Cha in Encino. I've enjoyed everything I've had there, but I especially like the shrimp and rice dish called camarones negros."

Cheddar is much easier to grate when it's very cold, so keep your cheese in the refrigerator until you are ready to proceed with this recipe. Don't be tempted to use anything other than a nonstick skillet, or the chips will stick and tear.

These chicken wings need to marinate for at least 8 hours — we recommend putting them in the refrigerator before you go to bed so they'll be ready for roasting the next day. The deep, almost beeflike flavor of these wings comes from the red wine in the marinade; both the wings and the mayonnaise get a boost from the Spanish smoked paprika.

This dip would be good served before the Vegetable and Bean Chili or any kind of beef dish. In fact, it's compatible with almost any main course that doesn't contain cheese. Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 5 min

All the oversized fun of a 6-foot deli sub, but with DIY bragging rights. Bonus: The pork shoulder can be made in advance.