Recipe Sifter

Apple molasses pecan pie marries two Thanksgiving classics into one. Sliced apples and toasted pecans bound in a brandy-spiked molasses filling, finished with a buttery lattice crust.

Fudgy brownie flavor meets chewy cookie texture in these chocolate-studded treats loaded with toasted pecans. The secret? Cocoa powder and chocolate chips team up for double-chocolate intensity.

Swedish strips press into a sheet pan, bake into golden shortbread, then get topped with warm jam and a snow of powdered sugar. One pan, 48 bars, zero rolling required.

Moist buttermilk rhubarb cake topped with brown sugar and chopped nuts. Tangy fresh rhubarb folded into a tender, fluffy crumb. A nostalgic spring dessert that turns out gorgeous with whipped cream.

Thai-style sweet mung bean soup with brown sugar and fresh ginger, simmered until creamy. A warm, comforting 3-ingredient Asian dessert that's naturally vegan and high in protein.

Kangaroo Rump marinated in Aniseed Myrtle and Alpine Pepper served with mushrooms filled with ricotta and spinach.

Eggless bread pudding with crushed pineapple, raisins, and a rum-brown sugar glaze topped with sliced almonds. Lighter than traditional custard-based versions.

Moist banana bread with wheat germ, oats, and walnuts, sweetened with apple juice concentrate instead of refined sugar. A wholesome low-calorie loaf perfect for using overripe bananas from your counter.

Every year before my grandkids come over to my place, I usually bake a large batch of these cookies, and everyone loves them. I do however add some chocolate chips to the batter, and they are some great addition.

Breakfast sausage apple pie, a sweet-savory hand-me-down brunch pie of smoked sausage layered with apple pie filling, sharp cheddar, and a brown sugar streusel crust. Five ingredients, one skillet, one pie plate.

Applesauce cheesecake squares blend cream cheese, applesauce, and warm spice on a pecan-graham crust topped with the same crumb mixture. A fall-flavored bar that beats round cheesecake.

Easy version of German-style "Sauerbraten" for your slow cooker.

Butternut squash casserole mashed with butter, brown sugar, egg, and evaporated milk, topped with toasted almonds. A sweet, custard-like side dish baked until set.

Authentic Sichuan bang bang chicken with poached chicken breast shredded over julienned cucumber, carrot, and scallion under a creamy peanut-sesame-chili sauce. A cold appetizer or main.

Cornish game hens stewed in fruit and sugar -- I originally got this recipe from the Sunday magazine of the local paper. I served it last year for Christmas dinner, and it's very good. What's more, this recipe is easy: you just put everything in a bowl, marinate overnight, then bake until done!

Apple quiche with cinnamon-spiced apples, Monterey Jack cheese, and a rich egg custard baked in a blind-baked pie shell. A surprising sweet-savory combination where the cheese and fruit complement each other beautifully.