Desserts - Jam Filled Butter Cookies

This cookie recipe has been in my mother's family for more years than I've been alive. It's my favorite cookie; my comfort food!

Pasta - Mexican Lasagna

Lasagna noodles are baked with an earthy blend of beef, refried beans, oregano, cumin and garlic, with salsa spooned over. Topped with sour cream, green onions, olives and Pepper Jack cheese, the casserole gets one more brief baking to melt the cheese.

Meat And Poultry - Slow Cooker Carolina Bbq

Miss the tarheel tradition of a pig pickin'? Then find yourself a crock pot, a big pork shoulder, some cider vinegar and get cooking! While ground and crushed red pepper will provide the basic heat - go the extra mile and find some Texas Pete (or Trappey's) pepper sauce to bring the taste of Carolina to your kitchen.

Watermelon Martini

Watermelon Martini

Side Dish - Celery Stuffing

The flavor of this basic bread stuffing is boosted by the addition of several cups of chopped celery. This recipe yields enough dressing to stuff a 10-15 pound turkey. Bake the dressing that doesn't fit in the cavity of the turkey in a buttered baking dish. Try putting the stuffing under the skin of the breast. It makes the turkey very moist!

Pasta - Chicken Noodle Salad With Peanut Ginger Dressing

Asian flavors star in this chicken-linguine pasta salad that tosses julienned carrots, celery, green onions, and cilantro with a zesty ginger-peanut-garlic seasoned dressing.

Herbs And Spices - Crayfish Or Shrimp Pasta

This dish can be made with either crawfish or shrimp. It's a great crowd pleaser. Serve with a salad and crispy French bread.