Classic Recipes

An important holiday deserves fantastic food, and we think this menu absolutely delivers. Many of these are recipes that the Southern Living Food staff turns to time and again for our own celebrations, as do so many readers. Entrées don’t come any grander than beef tenderloin, and the Henry Bain Sauce served with this one is a Kentucky classic. Surround it with top-rated sides, and you have a meal guaranteed to make memories. But the final bite is often the one you remember most, and you chose Cream Cheese-Coconut-Pecan Pound Cake to finish off this spectacular meal. This full-bodied beauty will positively wow your guests. (Best of all, you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy with a cup of coffee the next day.) We’re betting you’ll find yourself at the table long after the last crumb is devoured, basking in the warm glow of conversation and friendship.

• Creamy Bell Pepper ’n’ Tomato Soup (pictured)