1,593 light recipes

Microwave dark chocolate fudge made with corn syrup, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, walnuts, and powdered sugar. No candy thermometer, no soft-ball stage, just 3 minutes in the microwave to creamy fudge.

Rhubarb pie sweetened with light brown sugar instead of white, with thin lemon slices layered between the rhubarb for bright citrus contrast. A lattice-topped pie that's tart, caramelly, and old-fashioned.

No-bake peanut butter cornflake squares with brown sugar, corn syrup, wheat germ, and peanuts. Chewy or crisp depending on boil time. Makes 60 squares.

Buddhist mock chicken made from layered dried bean curd sheets soaked in seasoned stock, rolled into a loaf, steamed, then deep-fried until golden. A traditional Chinese vegetarian technique with a surprisingly meaty texture.

Crunchy bok choy apple slaw with Granny Smith apple, carrots, and red onion in a tangy sour cream dressing. No cooking required, low calorie, and ready in 15 minutes.

Broiled pineapple slices topped with buttery brown sugar and macadamia nuts until caramelized and bubbly. A five-ingredient tropical dessert ready in 20 minutes.

Bacon deviled eggs with crumbled crispy bacon, scallions, and mustard folded into creamy yolks. A 10-minute classic picnic appetizer that adds smoke and salt to the traditional deviled egg.

Fruit-flavor popcorn balls made with Jello gelatin, corn syrup, sugar, and salted peanuts. Pick any Jello flavor for colorful, kid-friendly popcorn treats in 15 minutes.

Vietnamese grilled dried beef marinated in lemongrass, chili, fish sauce, and soy sauce, then sun-dried 12 hours and grilled until crisp. Serve with glutinous rice. A traditional thit bo kho worth the wait.

Classic Chinese stir-fry of crunchy soybean sprouts with marinated pork and shrimp paste. Fast wok cooking keeps sprouts crisp-tender.

Bacon clam chowder is a New England-style soup with minced clams, smoky bacon and half-and-half, simmered overnight for deep flavor. Skimmed and finished with seafood seasoning the next day.

Creamy ham pasta casserole with rotini, broccoli, sharp cheddar and chopped bell pepper bound in a light mayonnaise-milk sauce. A weeknight one-dish dinner that uses up leftover ham.

Hot couscous breakfast with orange zest, toasted almonds, and a splash of half-and-half. A single-serving vegetarian breakfast ready in 15 minutes flat.

Chilled Spanish-style cantaloupe soup blended with potato, half and half, and dry sherry. Silky, elegant, and ready in 15 minutes. Garnish with nutmeg or a slice of lime.

Hot baked mushroom dip loaded with golden sauteed mushrooms, cream cheese, and pepper Jack. A make-ahead party dip that bakes up creamy and garlicky, ready for crackers or crusty bread.

Creamy cucumber dressing with garlic, chives, parsley, light mayo, and yogurt. A cool, tangy salad dressing that doubles as a dip for vegetables.