Recipe Sifter

Black bean and smoked chicken soup turns BBQ-glazed baked chicken and a hit of liquid smoke into a creamy, smoky bowl. Evaporated skim milk keeps it light while black beans and broccoli make it filling. Big flavor, low fat.

Roasted chanterelle and porcini mushroom salad with fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and lemon. A restaurant-quality wild mushroom dish ready in 20 minutes.

Fresh corn and summer squash sauteed in a cream sauce infused with whole cloves, coriander seeds, cinnamon, and jalapeno. A refined seasonal ragout with serious depth.

A slow-simmered marinara built on three layers of tomato, a splash of red wine, Italian herbs, and just enough red pepper flakes to earn the name "zesty." Low-fat, feeds a crowd, and freezes like a champ.

With the sauce prepared in advance, this colorful dish makes a quick entree for two, good served over fluffy rice.

Baked spaghetti squash with melted Monterey Jack, sauteed bell peppers, onions, Italian herbs, and black olives. A cheesy, low-carb vegetarian casserole the whole family will love.

Luigi's bean soup simmers dried navy beans low and slow with tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and olive oil for a rustic Italian one-pot meal. Finished with grated Parmesan.

Classic Thai green chicken curry with coconut cream, bamboo shoots, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh basil. Fragrant, herbaceous, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Grilled chicken burgers infused with reduced coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh basil. Topped with Thai peanut pesto and a crisp Asian pear slaw. A flavor-packed Thai twist on the classic burger for 6.

Browned chicken legs simmered in a balsamic-tomato sauce with tri-color bell peppers, olives, and garlic. Finished with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil for a vibrant Mediterranean one-pan dinner.

Bay scallops with vermicelli in a fresh tomato-basil sauce, finished with cream and a whisper of nutmeg. A lighter Italian seafood pasta for weeknight dinners.

There is a bit of confusion about these two plants. For some reason,the fennel plant, which resembles celery with fern like tops, has been called sweet anise in produce markets. The true anise is cultivated only for its seeds. So what you see labelled "sweet anise" in your market is probably fennel, but no matter what you call it, this is a highly interesting vegetable. Every part of this aromatic plant has a taste and aroma similar to licorice. The stems are eaten like celery,uncook, or cooked and served as a vegetable (heavenly with apples in waldorf salad) available from September to May.

Stir up a storm of savory goodness with this delicious stew made with a variety of meats and spices.

Jellied tomato salad made with unflavored gelatin, tomato juice, basil, lemon, and garlic. A retro molded salad that's light, savory, and perfect alongside cold cuts.

Spicy Italian sausage mac and cheese with mushrooms, hot peppers, and two cheeses baked until bubbly. Hearty one-dish comfort food with oregano, basil, and garlic in creamy sauce.

Layers of steamed cauliflower, sliced tomatoes, and water chestnuts smothered in a homemade cheddar cheese sauce with basil and a hint of cayenne. Topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until bubbly and golden.