10,000 fay fay recipes

The 2nd place winner in the Chicago Tribune's 1996 Annual Holiday Cookie Contest, a simple brown-sugar shortbread from Sandra Petrille of Naperville, Illinois.

Big-batch chicken casserole for 24 with green chiles, olives, almonds, cheddar, and a crushed potato chip topping. Church supper approved, potluck tested, crowd demolished.

Broiled or pan-seared sirloin steak topped with a bright herb garnish of fresh parsley, scallions, lemon juice, and garlic. Low-calorie, high-flavor, and ready for a weeknight or date night.

Savory mince simmers ground beef with mushrooms, onion and tomato paste into a quick, budget-friendly base you can spoon over baked potatoes, pile on toast or use to stuff peppers. Endlessly versatile.

With just 5 ingredients this Italian-style eggplant parmesan is ready in about 30 minutes!

Beer and cheddar onion soup with deeply caramelized onions, dark beer reduced to concentrate its flavor, and sharp cheddar blended into a velvety smooth base.

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.

Poached filet mignon in demi-glace broth with a Dijon mustard and horseradish sauce, served sliced over quinoa. An elegant, lighter way to cook premium steak without searing.

Thai-style aromatic broth infused with lemongrass, cilantro stems, jalápeño, and lime zest, strained clear, then filled with snow peas, carrot ribbons, radishes, and fresh cilantro.

Bone-in chicken simmered in a fragrant almond, turmeric, and garam masala sauce finished with coconut cream and garnished with hard-boiled eggs, lime, and flaked almonds.

Chicken in fermented black bean sauce made entirely in the microwave with garlic, ginger, sherry, sesame oil, and chili paste. A Chinese takeout favorite ready in 30 minutes.

Halloween witches' broom sticks shape biscuit dough into twisted handles topped with fringed twig bundles, brushed with butter and Parmesan. A savory shaped snack kids can help craft for Halloween parties.

Raspberry and fig gratin with sour cream and broiled brown sugar crust. Four ingredients, 15 minutes, and the caramelized sugar cracks like creme brulee over warm fruit.

Whole chickens stuffed with sausage dressing and smoked over charcoal for 5 hours with a wine-herb water pan. Louisiana-style backyard smoking at its finest. Serves 8.

One-skillet chicken and spinach saute with milk, broth, and a whisper of nutmeg. High-protein, low-fat, and on the table in 40 minutes. Clean eating that actually satisfies.

Taco salad with a fresh cumin vinaigrette, toasted tortilla chips, cooked turkey, ripe avocado, and cheddar. Lighter than the diner version with a sharp dressing in place of creamy sauce.