Recipe Sifter

Shrimp quiche made with a crescent roll crust, Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheeses, canned shrimp, and a lattice top of crescent dough. A retro brunch shortcut that bakes in an hour.

Vegetarian spinach lasagna layered with fresh spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and three cheeses, ricotta or cottage, mozzarella, and Parmesan. A meatless Italian comfort dinner with herby flavor and bubbling cheese.

Lightened fettuccine alfredo built on blended simmered garlic and broth, thickened with sour cream and parmesan instead of heavy cream. Zucchini matchsticks cook in the pasta water for a vegetable-loaded quick dinner.

Pounded chicken breast pan-fried in whole wheat flour, topped with wilted spinach, marinara, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella on a toasted roll. Game day eats, lightened up.

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets wrapped in golden bread dough with melted mozzarella. A handheld twist on classic chicken parm.

Chicken breast strips tossed with pasta, fresh asparagus, white wine, basil, and Parmesan. A light, clean Italian dinner ready in 30 minutes flat.

Gently poached chicken breast tossed with spaghetti, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and peas in garlic butter with fresh basil and Parmesan. Spring vegetables meet comfort food.

Wonderfully fresh kale salad that is so good, even my father enjoyed it-- which is saying A LOT.

Classic manicotti made the authentic way, with handmade egg pasta squares rolled around a ricotta and mozzarella filling, layered in meat sauce and baked under Parmesan. Fresh pasta makes all the difference over boxed tubes.

A vegetable-loaded Italian minestrone with eggplant, beans, spinach, cabbage, and pasta, finished with a swirl of homemade pesto alla Genovese. Rustic, hearty, and full of garden-fresh flavor.

Layered confetti macaroni casserole with whole wheat pasta, cottage cheese, zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, and tomatoes. No-boil casserole, healthy weeknight dinner.

Bread machine cornmeal Parmesan focaccia with garlic oil, golden cornmeal crumb, and a deep cheesy crust. Hands-off Italian flatbread you can press "start" on and walk away.

Creamed turnip green soup with shallots, white wine, peppercorns, and parmesan pureed into a silky, vibrant green bisque. An elegant way to use turnip greens in under 40 minutes.

Tender steamed broccoli florets draped in a silky homemade Parmesan cream sauce made with low-fat milk. A healthy vegetarian side dish ready in just 20 minutes.

A crustless crab quiche packed with sweet corn, Parmesan, scallions, and dill, made lighter with evaporated skim milk, egg substitute, and nonfat sour cream. All the flavor, less of the guilt.

Most of my recipes are ideal for a good lunch or dinner, but would start the morning with this recipe.