Oat

This free-form apple pie is shaped and cooked on a baking sheet—eliminating the need for a pie dish. Using milk instead of water in the crust makes it tender.

"Imagine my surprise when, while waiting at a beauty salon, I opened an October 1994 issue of gourmet and noticed 'Gwen Bradford’s Ranger Cookies," begins Bonnie Donalson of San Diego, California. "'Impostor!' I cried. With all due respect to Ms. Bradford, as I am sure her cookies are delicious, it's hardly worth the trouble of baking cookies if you leave out the chocolate chips. I have a friend who literally fights with her husband over my ranger cookies. Others start hinting in October for their traditional bag of Christmas rangers."

Summer's luscious cherries topped with oats, almonds, brown sugar and cinnamon.

Steve Silverman of South Burlington, Vermont, writes: "I consider myself more of a baker than a cook. When my kids were in elementary school and the only bread available at the supermarket was plain and white, I started baking. At one point, I was making five to ten loaves a week. But now I'm known for my challahs, which I give as presents during the holidays." This crunchy, not-too-sweet granola makes a terrific breakfast served with nonfat milk, or a delicious snack on its own.

Proof that strawberries aren't the only kind of fruit that's perfect with shortcakes.

A butter and molasses glaze gives this delicately flavored loaf a glossy finish, which makes for a beautiful presentation at the table.

Our food editors especially liked the unusually soft and light texture of this oatmeal bread.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Using meat loaf mix — a combination of ground beef, veal, and pork — ensures a juicy result. While the meat loaf cooks, mash some potatoes and boil some green beans. Warm apple pie from the bakery is a perfect finale.

A modern recipe from a modern woman: This is based on a recipe from my friend Joanne Rosen, a high-powered attorney who balances her torts and tarts, her husband and her children, with great finesse. Accompany the scones with English clotted cream (or crème fraîche) and honey.

Swedish cooks use lots of buttermilk, and the lingonberry jam suggested as an accompaniment to these incredibly light pancakes is a typical Swedish condiment.

These delicious chocolate chip cookies are worth the calorie splurge.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.