Ultimate Reader Recipe Contest Winners and Finalists―Entrées

English professor Suzanne Rumsey was astounded when told she was a finalist. “I’d never participated in a recipe contest and ­entered on a whim,” she says.

Well, Rumsey must have a natural knack. She made her dish only once before submitting the recipe. The judges loved its simplicity, its use of whole-grain barley, and the vibrant flavors of feta, citrus, ­cucumber, and herbs.

 

"My family loves steak, so I wanted to make a version of one of our favorite Southwestern dishes that was lighter, healthier, packed with flavor, and not drenched in heavy sauce or loaded with salty seasonings."

―Devon Delaney, Princeton, NJ

“When I met my husband three years ago, he suggested I try cooking albondigas, a traditional Mexican soup with meatballs and vegetables. His mother taught me how to prepare her ­authentic version. My children wouldn’t eat chunks of vegetables, so I needed to re-create the dish. I pureed a package of stir-fry vegetables, fresh carrots, and canned tomatoes with the broth mixture and added yellow squash to the meatballs. Now I take pleasure in knowing that my children are ­eating a colorful dish of ‘hidden’ vegetables.” ―Emily Almaguer, Fort Worth, Texas

““I developed this recipe many years ago. Since then, I’ve lightened it with turkey sausage, and I use smaller amounts of flavorful cheeses, where a little goes a long way. Like most baked pastas, this dish requires some time, but it’s well worth the effort.” ―Beverly O’Ferrall, Linkwood, Md.

"I wanted to create a recipe for a festive meal with local ingredients that could be prepared ahead of time and assembled at the last minute. Everything except the avocado, because it turns brown, can be readied in advance and kept in separate containers, covered, and chilled. I like to serve this dinner salad with multi-grain rolls." –Katherine Hinrichs, West Boothbay Harbor, ME

Video: Katherine Hinrichs tells the story behind her recipe

"Hungarian goulash was a family favorite when I was growing up. I've updated my mom's recipe with fresh vegetables. Replacing plain tomato sauce with roasted diced tomatoes improved the taste and texture of the gravy." –Sheryl Chomak, Beaverton, OR

Video: Sheryl Chomak tells the story behind her recipe

 

"My family loves Asian food, and I enjoy its vivid flavors and colors. This is my spin on Korean grilled chicken with a speedy kimchi-type accompaniment. I prefer using chicken thighs for this dish because they are juicier and tastier than boneless breasts. This dish is simple enough for an after-work dinner but scrumptious enough for guests."
–Janice Elder, Charlotte, NC

Video: Janice Elder shares the story behind her recipe

 

"The unsweetened cocoa gives the broth a rich texture and heartiness. Serve with egg noodles, rice, or couscous." –April Sims, Denton TX

 

"I like to serve this with long-grain and wild rice and steamed sugar snap peas for an elegant, healthy meal. I created this recipe to combine my love to steak with my kids' fondness for Asian foods." –Teresa Ralston, New Albany OH

 

"Miso paste can be found in most Asian grocery stores. The darker the paste, the saltier and stronger the flavor. For a lower-fat option, substitute flank steak." ―Melissa Iwai, Brooklyn, NY

 

"The sauce that accompanies the shrimp is one of my favorites. I've used it as a dipping sauce for vegetables, and to top grilled chicken and salmon." –Karen Tedesco, Webster Groves, MO

 

"This recipe reflects how my family tries to eat. We keep vegetables and whole grains as the bulk of the meal, and then use lean proteins and other ingredients to add flavor." ―Erin Mylroie, St. George, UT

 

"Reducing some of the broth for the sauce and adding broth to the pasta water both deepen the flavor. I like the bite of the mustard greens and using healthy poultry sausage." ―Jeff Violette, Oakland, ME