10,000 black pepper recipes

Sweet-and-sour meatloaf is a classic ground beef loaf glazed in a sticky tomato, brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard sauce baked right onto the top during the final 10 minutes.

Meatless spaghetti sauce with bulgur wheat stirred in for hearty texture, simmered with tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and bay leaf. Serve over pasta or spaghetti squash.

Hearty mushroom barley soup with a full pound of mushrooms, soy sauce, and dry sherry for deep savory flavor. No stock needed, just water and good technique for rich, earthy broth.

Savory bread pudding layered with cheese, cooked meat, and vegetables soaked in an egg custard. Perfect for brunch or using up leftovers.

Pork ribs rubbed with ginger, coriander, and paprika, grilled low and slow, then glazed with a sweet-tart red currant jelly and Dijon mustard finish. Elegant enough to pair with a Cabernet.

Red lentil soup with caramelized onions, dried mint, and paprika simmered in beef stock. A pantry-friendly soup that purees silky or stays brothy with tender lentils throughout.

Cooked Italian antipasto with carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, black olives, and tuna simmered in tomato sauce and ketchup. A make-ahead party appetizer.

French onion soup with onions caramelized for 90 minutes, simmered in beef stock and white wine, then topped with crusty bread and bubbling Gruyère. Made a day ahead for the deepest flavor.

Bacon-laced venison stew with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and fresh peas, thickened with a flour roux and simmered until the wild game is spoon-tender. Serve with buttered corn muffins for a hunter's feast.

Blanched escarole leaves stuffed with marinated chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and white wine vinegar. A vegan, low-fat Italian appetizer served at room temperature.

Wild and brown rice pilaf with a full pound of fresh mushrooms, thyme, parsley, and optional pecans, simmered in chicken broth. A nutty, earthy side dish for holiday tables.

Sweet raisin sauce for ham or tongue made with brown sugar, currant jelly, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, cloves, and mace. Make-ahead friendly and ready in 20 minutes.

A lighter coleslaw with a tangy yogurt-mayo dressing, Dijon mustard, and white vinegar. Crunchy shredded cabbage, carrot, celery, and onion tossed together in 30 minutes. Keeps in the fridge for 2 days.

Indian eggplant and spinach curry with popping mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. A vegetarian side dish with bold, warming spice.

Zucchini quiche with a flaky crescent roll crust, sauteed zucchini and onion, mozzarella, and a balsamic-vinegar twist. A weeknight quiche shortcut that uses egg substitute for a lighter brunch.

Freezer-friendly spinach balls with herb stuffing, Parmesan, garlic, and eggs that bake from frozen in 20 minutes. Make 50 bite-sized appetizers ahead and pull them out whenever company shows up.