Playful Recipes 

Updated: June 09, 2014
Bright colors, fruity flavors, take-out favorites, and foods that remind us of being children were themes among the dishes that make us happy.
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Get Happy

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Strawberry Lemon Shortcakes

Create the perfect playful mood with friends or family by serving up one of these light-hearted recipes. From sherbet to biscuits, there are recipes for every meal and fun occasion.

First up are our Strawberry Lemon Shortcakes. Tender biscuits get a little lift from sweet, floral lemon rind. For slightly taller shortcakes with soft sides, pack biscuits into a round cake pan; for separate shortcakes with crisp edges, arrange on a baking sheet with space between.

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Strawberry-Buttermilk Sherbet

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Strawberry-Buttermilk Sherbet

This five-ingredient recipe uses raspberry-flavored liqueur to enhance the fruit flavor; it also helps create a nice texture. Taste the strawberries; if they’re super-sweet, you can use lemon juice to boost the tartness of the sherbet.

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Sweet and Salty Peanut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Sweet and Salty Peanut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Coarse-grained sea salt does not melt into the batter, so you experience a crunchy burst with every bite. Use any other nut you like in place of peanuts.

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Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado

Photo: Nigel Cox
View Recipe: Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado

Here is the essence of summer in a standout side salad. This is the star of the meal; keep the entrée simple.

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Tuna-Guacamole Tacos

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Tuna-Guacamole Tacos

Brighten up weeknight dinners with these easy and flavorful tacos. The guacamole is very creamy and tasty on its own, so be sure to make extra.

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Southwest Crispy Chicken Sliders

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Southwest Crispy Chicken Sliders

With homemade muffins, a crispy panko topping, fresh guacamole, and crispy bacon, you've got to try these fun and flavorful chicken sliders.

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Chicken Fried Rice

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Stir-fries come together fast, making them perfect for a weeknight supper. But because cooking happens so quickly, have all your ingredients ready to go and within reach before you heat up your wok.

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Coconut Chicken Fingers

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Coconut Chicken Fingers

Kids love the sweetness that the coconut adds to the coating of these chicken fingers. This recipe uses rice flour instead of wheat flour for the coating, making it allergy free.

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Chili-Cheese Mac

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chili-Cheese Mac

Meaty, cheesy, and delicious—kids will love this comforting dinner. Parents will love it, too—it’s quick.

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Angel Biscuits

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Angel Biscuits

These angel biscuits are light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. Serve with bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheese for a homemade breakfast sandwich, or with supper for a tasty side.

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Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

Start a happy weekend morning tradition with homemade pancakes for the family. Blueberries, either fresh or frozen, give ordinary flapjacks a big flavor boost.

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Mini Bacon and Egg Tarts

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Mini Bacon and Egg Tarts

Whose face wouldn’t light up at the sight of these fun breakfast tarts? Green onions add color and flavor, but they’re optional. Omit them, if you prefer.

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Minted Lemon-Lime Watermelon Agua Fresca

Photo: Anna Williams
View Recipe: Minted Lemon-Lime Watermelon Agua Fresca

Sweet, tangy, and absolutely thirst-quenching, this beverage is one the whole family can enjoy.

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Black Pepper Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Black Pepper Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Make a homemade sauce that delivers great barbecue taste: Chili powder and cumin add smokiness, while ketchup and molasses make it sweet. ’Cue lovers in North Carolina add slaw to this kind of sandwich.

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Cheesy Pigs in Blankets

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Cheesy Pigs in Blankets

Treat your kids to this childhood fave, made lighter with turkey hot dogs, part-skim mozzarella, and pizza dough in place of a more buttery pastry dough. Serve steamed broccoli and apple wedges on the side.

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