Recipes with water

Fat-free apple oat muffins using pureed prunes as a fat substitute, egg whites instead of whole eggs, and maple syrup for sweetness. Just 90 calories each.

Italian focaccia studded with olives, pine nuts, and roasted red peppers, finished with fresh basil and cracked pepper. A puffy, dimpled flatbread perfect for antipasto boards and sandwich bases.

Crayfish tails poached in dill-scented court bouillon and topped with a dill hollandaise sauce. A Scandinavian-inspired dinner served over white rice.

Hearty vegetable beef soup simmered 4 hours with stewing beef, split peas, potatoes, carrots, corn, lima beans, spinach, and tomatoes. A true one-pot meal for cold days.

Homemade pizza sauce simmers tomato paste, garlic, oregano, marjoram and basil into a thick, glossy sauce that holds its shape under cheese. Makes enough for four 12-inch pies.

Beef barley soup made from braised short ribs, canned tomatoes, pearl barley, and a load of carrots, celery, and bell pepper. The ribs simmer first to render rich beef flavor before the vegetables and barley go in.

Classic lasagne verdi with homemade spinach pasta sheets layered with tomato sauce, cheese sauce, and Parmesan. Traditional Italian green lasagna from scratch.

Homemade butterhorn rolls shaped into buttery crescents from a soft yeasted dough with eggs, milk, and shortening. Light, flaky, and golden after a double rise.

Beef and broccoli stir-fry in oyster sauce with garlic, ginger, and scallions. Marinated flank steak seared in a hot wok with crisp-tender broccoli, better than takeout.

Beef and broccoli stir-fry in oyster sauce with garlic, ginger, and scallions. Marinated flank steak seared in a hot wok with crisp-tender broccoli, better than takeout.

Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo with a dark roux, ham, two kinds of sausage, Creole seasoning, and cayenne. A Louisiana party pot that feeds 15 to 20.

The key to the subtly balanced flavors in this dish is using very fresh produce. Walnut sized new red potatoes from a farmers market work best.

Honey mustard grilled steaks and red onions get a five-minute Dijon glaze with honey, cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Sticky, tangy, and ready in under 30 minutes from grill to plate.

Caribbean ginger turkey breast marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, sherry, apricot jam, and ginger, then broiled or grilled and served over rice with fresh fruit.

Vegan pasta with pureed cherry tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and miso for deep umami flavor. Oil-free, dairy-free, and rich-tasting without any cream.

Cornmeal Pie Crust (1 crust for 9 inch pie) recipe