As a cooking enthusiast, I love trying new recipes. I like to use recipes from cookbooks, magazines, and from my friends. I search the internet looking for great new recipe ideas. I have files of recipes ideas, both at home and at work. When it comes to the holidays however, I have found that our family really doesn't want to try "new" recipes.

When I first met Jack, his mother asked me to bring pies for their Thanksgiving dinner. I made two Cranberry Chiffon Pies that I was very proud of making. They were pretty and tasted great—at least I thought so. Jack's family wasn't as enthralled with them as I was and looking back I suspect that they weren't too happy about my marrying into the family as a result of those pies.

Now days, I know that the 14 family members that I'm having for dinner on Sunday want the traditional meal consissting of: baked ham, potato casseroles, asparagus and another veggie for those who don’t like asparagus, dinner rolls, relish tray and a salad.

Here are some basic recipes for baked ham, potatoes and fresh asparagus.

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Grilled Orange Ham

Hash Brown Potato Bake

Two-Cheese and Rosemary Mashed Potato Casserole

Cheesy au Gratin Potatoes

Steamed Asparagus with Tarragon Mayonnaise

Asparagus with Honey Mustard

Hazelnut Parmesan Asparagus

Grilled Spring Vegetables