Recipe Sifter

Classic beef stroganoff simmered in a surprising Coca-Cola and Worcestershire sauce base, finished with sour cream and mushrooms. Tender round steak over noodles or mashed potatoes.

Plantation stew: a hearty Southern-style lamb stew with potatoes, red peppers, citrus, and a splash of sherry. A slow-simmered comfort dinner that warms to the bones.

Killer bread piles parmesan-mayo topping spiked with Cajun spice, basil, and oregano on a toasted buttered loaf. A party appetizer puffed golden under the broiler.

Four cheese ball variations from one base recipe: classic Coventry, pimiento Harlequin, caraway Holiday, and pineapple Fruit & Nut. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar party appetizers.

New Brunswick chicken barley soup simmers bone-in chicken with pearl barley, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and peas. Maritime Canadian comfort soup that doubles as a complete meal.

Country-style beef ragout slow-braised in red wine and beef broth with onions, garlic, mushrooms, and ripe olives. Hearty French-Italian stew served over noodles.

Easy stuffed pork chops, thick chops pocketed with a savory bread crumb, onion, and parsley stuffing, browned, then braised in beef broth until tender. A homey, satisfying dinner with a built-in pan sauce.

Stuffed eggplant with a savory filling of pureed eggplant flesh, scallions, fennel, allspice, white wine, and tomato paste baked in the shells. A vegetarian Mediterranean dish served warm or cold.

Greek-style braised lamb shoulder with orzo cooked in the pan drippings with tomatoes, dill, and parsley. A one-pot meal where the pasta absorbs all the rich lamb and tomato broth.

Low-fat eggplant barley bake loaded with mushrooms, tomatoes, and chili sauce. A one-pan vegetarian main dish with hearty whole grains and tender sauteed vegetables.

Whole roasted chicken rubbed with red wine vinegar, paprika, and garlic, then roasted over a bed of fresh Roma tomatoes and onions. Simple ingredients, deeply savory results.

Rostbraten mit Pilzfulle, a classic German flank steak rolled around a mushroom, onion and herb stuffing, braised with bacon in mustard-kissed beef gravy. A rustic, old-world Sunday dinner centerpiece.

Potato soup with butter dumplings: tender potatoes simmered with celery and parsley, dotted with rich nutmeg butter dumplings, finished with sour cream.

Hearty lentil and brown rice soup with carrots, tomatoes, thyme, and marjoram simmered in chicken broth. Finished with a splash of vinegar and grated Parmesan.

Grilled veal chops pizzaiola with a robust tomato sauce of anchovies, capers, garlic, and fresh herbs. Italian-style broiled chops with a bold, savory Neapolitan sauce.

Greek lamb pie from Ioannina with ground leg of lamb, cinnamon, and mizithra cheese wrapped in buttered phyllo pastry. A savory, flaky pie scored into diamonds and baked golden.