Drinking apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning

From celebrities touting a drink of water infused with apple cider vinegar as the panacea for many ills to the special significance this drink holds in several cultures across the globe as the cure for detoxing and cleansing, ACV's popularity has only grown exponentially in recent times. But is it the cure-all we believe it to be? Experts weigh in.

"Apple cider vinegar is a mildly acidic acetic acid with a pH between 2-3. It has multiple health benefits, including controlling blood sugar levels and helping people with diabetes. It also helps in weight loss, keeps cholesterol and triglyceride levels under check and improves cardiovascular health. In addition, it can treat a sore throat, reduce bloating and gut-related issues and remove toxins from your body," lists Dr. Anjali Hooda, MBBS, MD and CMD, LiveNutriFit. ACV, it turns out, is far more effective than having the milder lemon in water remedy with its citric acid content to treat bloating and other digestive issues.

Munmun Ganeriwal, author of Yuktahaar: The Belly And Brain Diet, advises having unfiltered, unpasteurised ACV, which contains the mother, the starter culture of beneficial bacteria that floats or settles in at the bottom. "When filtered, the mother goes away, and only the juice is left, which doesn't have as great benefits. But because unfiltered ACV with the mother is teeming with live microbes, very young children, pregnant women, infants, those with compromised immune systems or the seriously ill may need to exercise caution before taking this," she says. As for the filtered variety, Dr. Eileen Canday, Head Of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, says, "Pregnant and lactating women can consume ACV but are more prone to suffer from digestive issues like acidity and constipation; hence, high consumption of ACV can aggravate this further. Children below the age of 8 should not be given ACV, and people with certain digestive issues such as ulcers, hiatal hernia and Barrett's oesophagus may need to avoid it."

 While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that taking ACV in the morning is more beneficial than doing so at any other time of the day, it can boost your digestion. As soon as you wake up in the morning, have ACV that is diluted in lukewarm or room temperature water on an empty stomach. Hooda believes it best to keep a gap of 20-30 minutes before eating and drinking anything after this and assures that it doesn't hamper your exercise pattern. The other option is to take it in pill form. "ACV supplements contain a dehydrated form of vinegar. If a person dislikes the strong taste or odour of liquid apple cider vinegar, they may prefer pills instead. The amount of ACV in the tablets varies depending on the brand. Some brands may contain additional metabolism-boosting substances, such as cayenne pepper," says Canday. As with anything, moderation is key, even though ACV can be had without needing a break. "Using ACV in large amounts or even undiluted can be harmful to your dental and gut health since it is highly acidic. When you are consuming ACV by itself, make sure it is diluted, i.e., 1-2 tbsp in 200 ml of water," she adds.

While ACV's benefits are undeniable, Ganeriwal cautions against considering it a magic potion for weight loss. "Your lifestyle, which includes your food, exercise, sleep, and breathing practices, have to be in place first. Only then can ACV help. It cannot help on its own if your lifestyle is not in order to begin with," she warns.

Also read:

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You've probably read about drinking apple cider vinegar for its health benefits—you may also have heard it can be harmful. Our guide aims to clear up the confusion, and shares an apple cider vinegar drink if you're curious to try it.

Apple cider vinegar is a natural product made from apples that are crushed and fermented, which creates a host of good bacteria. The result is a vinegar, rich in acetic acid compounds, long used as a folk remedy for a variety of health benefits. While you can enjoy potential benefits just by cooking with apple cider vinegar, you can also try an apple cider vinegar drink recipe—with some caveats. By the way, here’s the difference between white and apple cider vinegar.

Potential Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

While apple cider vinegar has been a folk remedy for a long time, scientists are still researching its benefits. They may help with:

• High blood sugar
• Weight loss
• Digestion
• Immunity
• High blood pressure
• Sore throat or congestion
• Stopping infection
• Increasing energy
• Used externally, there are several beauty benefits to using apple cider vinegar.

Common Apple Cider Vinegar Questions:

Can I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Every Day?

Many proponents of ACV advise taking 1-2 tablespoons daily, whether in a drink or with food. As with any remedy, you should check with your doctor first, especially if you’re pregnant.

Is It Better To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Morning or at Night?

Sip your apple cider vinegar drink first thing in the morning or right before a meal. Taken before a meal, the vinegar drink can help you feel full faster, which can aid in weight loss. Take a look at these unexpected ways to use apple cider vinegar around the house.

Should I Take a Shot of Apple Cider Vinegar?

No! Taking a shot of vinegar alone is an acidic blast that can harm the enamel of your teeth and even damage your esophagus and lungs. The key is to dilute the vinegar in water. Here are some other common mistakes to avoid when taking apple cider vinegar.

Can You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar on an Empty Stomach?

Yes, you can drink diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach. In fact, it’s the recommended way to take ACV. Just wait about 20 minutes or so after drinking apple cider vinegar to eat.

How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

The ratio:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (We like Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar)
• 8 ounces water

Even diluted, the vinegar drink may not taste fabulous, so you can add a squeeze of honey and/or a dash of cinnamon or ginger.

Sip the drink slowly. If you’re drinking ACV daily, you may want to drink through a straw to prevent wearing the enamel of your teeth. Next, check out some of our favorite homemade beauty recipes.

It’s easy to make healthy eating part of your everyday routine with these five-ingredient healthy recipes.

White Wine Garlic Chicken

This garlic chicken is great over cooked brown rice or your favorite pasta. Don't forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, too. —Heather Esposito, Rome, New York Shop Now

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken

I created this recipe years ago after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I bruise the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding them to the buttermilk mixture; this tends to release the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is a simple and delicious way to eat your superfoods! It gets even better after it sits for a while in the fridge, so I make it ahead. I use my homemade honey mustard dressing, but any type works just fine. —Alexandra Weisser, New York, New York

Spicy Plum Salmon

I created this sweet and spicy salmon after being challenged to use healthier ingredients. The fresh plum sauce really complements the smoky grilled fish. —Cheryl Hochstettler, Richmond, Texas

Jicama Citrus Salad

Never tried jicama? It is a crunchy Mexican turnip, and I love to use it in this super easy salad. The jicama is ideal alongside the vibrant flavors of the tangerines and shallots. Between the sweet and sour flavors in this salad and its crunchy texture, it's all delish if you ask me. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Garden-Fresh Rainbow Chard

Chard, a member of the beet family, is prized for its green leaves and colorful stalks. Stir up these good-for-you greens with garlic and red onion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lemony Zucchini Ribbons

Fresh zucchini gets a shave and a drizzle of lemony goodness in this fab salad. Sprinkle the goat cheese or feta on top and dive in. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Breakfast Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes aren't just for dinner anymore. Top them with breakfast favorites to power up your morning. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Asparagus Nicoise Salad

I’ve used my Nicoise as an appetizer or a main-dish salad, and it’s a winner every time I put it on the table. Here’s to a colorful, make-ahead salad! —Jan Meyer, St. Paul, Minnesota

Crab Phyllo Cups

I always like a dot of chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you're out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Saucy Raspberry Chicken

I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids.

Pina Colada Carrot Salad

This sweet carrot salad, with pina colada yogurt, macadamia nuts and green grapes, has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Curry Scramble

I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri

Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes

Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri

Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic

My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado

Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches

I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey

Red Potato Salad Dijon

My mother made the best warm potato salad, and now it's a tradition at all of our tables. Sometimes I use Yukon Gold potatoes to make it even prettier. —Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey

Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers

Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

Chicken Pesto Roll-Ups

One night I looked in the refrigerator and pondered what I could make with chicken, cheese, mushrooms and pesto. This pretty dish was the result. Add Italian bread and a fruit salad for a complete meal! —Melissa Nordmann, Mobile, AL

Lemon Salmon with Basil

At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon

Nectarine and Beet Salad

Beets, nectarines and feta cheese make for scrumptious additions to mixed greens. While the combination of ingredients may seem unlikely, I guarantee it will become a favorite salad on your home menu. —Nicole Werner, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Marinated Oranges

This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois

Roasted Beets

This roasted beets recipe makes ordinary beets taste tender and delicious with just a few sweet and good-for-you ingredients. —Wendy Stenman, Germantown, Wisconsin

Balsamic Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Rosemary Pork Loin

I started growing rosemary in my garden after I discovered this pork recipe. My husband and I think it’s restaurant quality, and we look forward to making it after work. —Judy Learned, Boyertown, Pennsylvania

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

This side goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

Mocha Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a classic fall snack. Kick them up a notch with instant coffee and cocoa powder for a mix that’s mocha genius at any time of year. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Crispy Dill Tilapia

Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama

Honey-Garlic Brussels Sprouts

At a holiday dinner recently, I had the best Brussels sprouts ever! They were seasoned to perfection and lightly sweetened. I've tried to re-create the dish, and this comes very close. It has just the right amount of garlic and sweetness. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Peanut Butter, Honey & Pear Open-Faced Sandwiches

I work a 12-hour night shift at a hospital, and when I come home in the morning, I don't want to cook a big breakfast. I love these sandwiches because they're versatile; sometimes I use apples instead of pears and different cheeses, such as Brie or grated Parmesan. —L.J.Washington, Carpinteria, California

Grilled Salmon with Nectarines

My family liked this recipe so much one evening that I made it for a potluck the very next day. Everyone raved about it there, too—even people who aren't particularly fond of fish. —Kerin Benjamin, Citrus Heights, California

Cucumber Melon Salad

This colorful salad is tangy and delicious. The unexpected combination is such a pleasant surprise. You can use whatever type of melon you have on hand. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico

Homemade Yogurt

You'll be surprised how easy it is to make homemade yogurt. Top with granola and your favorite berries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Zesty Sugar Snap Peas

Lemon pepper and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and a nice accompaniment to a variety of entrees. You'll come to rely on this six-ingredient recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde

Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers

These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina

Strawberry Tomato Salsa

Here’s a sweet and tangy salsa that's miles away from the spicy version people expect. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips for scooping, or make it part of the main event and spoon it over chicken or pork. —Amy Hinkle, Topeka, Kansas

Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes

This is my "go to" recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It's colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona

Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Goat Cheese

I wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It's really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California

Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp

This grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

Sauteed Radishes with Green Beans

I’ve heard radishes are the only vegetable you don’t cook, but a cookbook from the 1950s disagrees. Green beans and wax beans round out this dish. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri

Goat Cheese & Ham Omelet

As a busy working mom, my breakfast needs to require minimal prep. I often combine the egg mixture beforehand and refrigerate it overnight. Then all I have to do in the morning is heat up my skillet. My favorite part is the goat cheese filling, which gets nice and creamy from the heat of the omelet. —Lynne Dieterle, Rochester Hills, Michigan

Mint Watermelon Salad

I invented this refreshing fruit salad one sultry afternoon while my friends were gathered around my pool. It was quick to prepare and disappeared from their plates even quicker. Even the kids loved it! —Antoinette DuBeck, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Decrease sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners' sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don't need syrup. — Patricia Swart, Galloway , New Jersey

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It's one of those basil recipes that tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Fast Fruit Salsa

We like this refreshing and colorful salsa served with tortilla chips or spooned over grilled chicken. For another fruity option, try stirring in some diced cantaloupe or peaches when they're in season. —Eileen Miller, Woodridge, Illinois

Cod and Asparagus Bake

The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups

This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rosemary Walnuts

My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina

Feta Scrambled Egg Wraps

My daughter jokes that I am so predictable when it comes to dining out. I always order chicken souvlaki. So I thought, why not incorporate my favorite Greek dish into a breakfast wrap? It's healthy, tasty and easy to make.—Mary Jo Kempf, West Seneca, New York

Tarragon Asparagus

I grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Mediterranean Chicken

As special as it is simple to prepare, this flavorful skillet creation is dressed in tomatoes, olives and capers. It’s a knockout main dish at my house. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

Pesto Tomato-Cucumber Salad

My sister and I created this fresh salad at one of our "recipe nights" and it's been a hit at every party since! Try red pepper flakes for a little kick if you'd like, or add Greek pepperoncini. —Jennifer Freier, Algonquin, Illinois

Homemade Peanut Butter

We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. My homemade version is easier on my wallet, and I know what ingredients are in it. It's also a lot tastier! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska

Herbed Pork Chops

Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio

Garlic Pumpkin Seeds

Wondering what to do with all those pumpkin seeds guests will be scooping out at your pumpkin-carving party? This yummy, microwave-easy recipe is the answer! Save some for yourself before they're gone! —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Roasted Green Bean Salad

This easy recipe turns homegrown green beans into something special. A tangy dill and Dijon vinaigrette coats the beans without overpowering them so the fresh-picked flavor comes through. —Kathy Shell, San Diego, California

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

Looking for low carb? This simple snack recipe is a fantastic way to satisfy your pizza cravings while skipping the usual carb-filled crust. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Caprese Salad Kabobs

Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

Parmesan Baked Cod

You need just five ingredients for this goof-proof way to keep oven-baked fish moist. My mom is one of the best cooks in the world, and she shared this recipe with me years ago. I've been loving it ever since. —Mary Jo Hoppe, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

No-Fuss Avocado Onion Salad

My mother, Nena, grew up in Cuba and learned many styles of cooking. She had a knack for making something incredibly simple taste amazing. This salad is proof. By itself, the dressing is really tart, but add the avocados and onions and it's the perfect complement. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Grilled Brown Sugar-Mustard Chicken

I came up with this recipe in college and it's been a household staple ever since. It's a snap to throw together with ingredients I have on hand. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Pea Soup with Quinoa

This soup is low in fat, high in fiber, and has a fantastically fresh flavor and wonderful texture. Best of all, it’s so simple to make. —Jane Hacker Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sausage Spinach Salad

Want a fast way to turn a salad into a hearty meal? Add sausage. The mustard dressing also goes with smoked salmon or chicken. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

Whole Wheat Pancakes

To fix a large batch of tender pancakes for my five children, I rely on this quick and wholesome recipe. It calls for whole wheat flour and buttermilk, which make the pancakes filling but also light. Serve them with hot chocolate for a breakfast that's sure to delight little ones. —Line Walter, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Minty Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario

Turkey & Apricot Wraps

For these everyday wraps, I combined the traditional southern appetizer of jam and cream cheese on crackers with the turkey, apple and Brie sandwiches we ate at my bridal luncheon. I like to sneak fresh spinach into all sorts of recipes because it has such a mild flavor. —Kim Beavers, North August, South Carolina

Spicy Pumpkin & Corn Soup

A seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada

Pork Chops with Honey-Garlic Sauce

The sauce on these honey garlic pork chops is so good, I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggie we have on the side. —Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland

Kale Salad

I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington

Lemon Basil Salmon

My husband came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA

Dill-Marinated Broccoli

A co-worker tipped me off to this splashy marinade for broccoli. The longer you wait, the better it gets. Add some fresh cauliflower if you have it. —Tiffony Bush, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach

My family enjoys cooking easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts

Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

This cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio

Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce

Here's a main course that tastes rich yet isn't high in saturated fat. It's easy for weeknights, but the creamy sauce makes it special enough for weekends. —Bonnie Brown-Watson, Houston, Texas

Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas

Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota

Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous

For my busy family, a partly homemade one-pot meal is the best way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba

Grilled Basil Chicken

This cinch of a marinade gives the chicken lots of Italian flavor. Serve the chicken with a tossed green salad and garlic breadsticks, or put slices on a ciabatta roll along with lettuce, tomato and mozzarella cheese for a zesty handheld meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida

Thyme-Roasted Carrots

Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Asian Salmon Tacos

This Asian-Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to the pan. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario

Baked Parmesan Breaded Squash

Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

Golden Apricot-Glazed Turkey Breast

Basted with a simple glaze, this wonderfully moist and tender turkey bakes to a lovely golden brown. Make it the centerpiece of your holiday table; guests will be glad you did. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

Hoisin & Honey Glazed Salmon

Now that I have this recipe, my husband and I always look forward to the fresh wild salmon season. You can find hoisin sauce in the international foods aisle at the grocery store. —Cheryl Rein, Orlando, Florida

Dijon-Honey Pork Chops

Lemon-pepper is our seasoning of choice for these chops. With the honey-orange Dijon sauce, there’s no need to pass the salt. —Shirley Goehring, Lodi, California

Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce

Here's a comforting, home-style treat that never loses its appeal. Dish up big bowlfuls and wait for the smiles! —Marilee Cardinal, Burlington, New Jersey

Balsamic-Seasoned Steak

This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you can’t go wrong with melty Swiss on top.

Orange Appeal

Oranges add color and great taste to winter meals! This dish looks very bright and appealing served in a glass bowl, and it's a light and easy dessert to finish off a hearty holiday meal. As far as I'm concerned, the citrusy aroma of oranges is a must at Christmas time! —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California

Grilled Tilapia Piccata

We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio

Roasted Tomato Soup with Fresh Basil

Roasting really brings out the flavor of the tomatoes in this wonderful soup. It has a slightly chunky texture that shows it's fresh and homemade. —Marie Forte, Raritan, New Jersey

Lemon Chicken with Basil

No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Pesto Halibut

The mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad

We live in the hot South, and this awesome fruity chicken salad is a weeknight standout. I buy salad greens and add veggies for color and crunch. —Sherry Little, Sherwood, Arkansas

Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

This entree is a fantastic way to savor fresh tomatoes, especially during the warm summer months. It’s quite simple, but the sweet, tangy tomato glaze is so good. —Karen Gehrig, Concord, North Carolina

Seared Salmon with Balsamic Sauce

A friend gave me this quick and easy approach to salmon. It has a mildly sweet sauce and is such a hit that I've passed it to other fish fans. —Trish Horton, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Lemon-Garlic Pork Chops

My son James created these zesty chops spiced with paprika and cayenne. He keeps the spice rub in a jar to use with chops or chicken. —Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico

Sage-Rubbed Salmon

If you’ve always thought of sage with turkey, try it with salmon for a little taste of heaven. We serve this with rice, salad and sauteed green beans. —Nicole Raskopf, Beacon, New York

Grilled Shrimp with Spicy-Sweet Sauce

These finger-lickin' shrimp practically fly off the platter at my get-togethers. Play with the amount of sriracha to get the spice level just the way you like it. —Susan Harrison, Laurel, Maryland

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